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THE BOYS UNLOADED THE CANOE 


The Camp 
On Indian Island 


BY JAMES OTIS 

AUTHOR OP 


“THB CRUISE) OF THE) SAUUY D,” '‘THF 
BRAGANZA DIAMOND,” &C. 



THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY 

P H 1 1, A D K Iv P H I A 
MCMXI 


COFYEIGHr 
1911 BY 
THE PENN 
PUBLISHING 
COMPANY 



©CI.A289(>56 


Contents 


I. 

Larry and Elish . 




7 

II. 

Making Camp 




20 

III. 

‘‘ Lander’s Gang ” . 




33 

IV. 

The Battle . 




46 

V. 

Suspense . 




59 

VI. 

The Parley . 




73 

VII. 

The Water Supply 




86 

VIII. 

The Siege 




99 

IX. 

The Prisoner 




112 

X. 

The Raid 




124 

XL 

A Slight Advantage 




138 

XII. 

Working and Watching 



152 

XIII. 

Real Sport 




166 

XIV. 

A Conference 




180 

XV. 

A Consultation 




194 

XVI. 

The Storm 




207 

XVII. 

The Voyage . 




219 

XVIII. 

Larry’s Quandary 




233 

XIX. 

The Search . 




245 

XX. 

The Cave 




258 

XXL 

A Discovery . 




270 

XXII. 

Questionable Visitors 




283 

XXIII. 

Open Threats 




296 

XXIV. 

A Timely Arrival . 

. 


. 

308 


3 


Illustrations 

PAGE 

The Boys Unloaded the Canoe . . Frontispiece / 
“What’s the Need of Being Frightened? ” . 88 

He Promised to Make Short Work of It . 158^ 

“ There’s Enough FOR All OF Us ” . . . . 212 '' 

“You’ll Have Your Share” 279*^ 


The Camp on Indian Island 


5 



The Camp on Indian Island 


CHAPTER I 

LARRY AND ELISH 

When Ruel Bonney and Frank Gilmore set 
off with their parents to spend the summer at 
Lake Caughnawaga they did not anticipate a 
remarkably pleasant outing. It would have 
pleased them much better if Atlantic City 
had been decided upon for the summer^s out- 
ing, where, as Ruel said, something was mov- 
ing all the time ; ” and Frank insisted that “ it 
was just the same as burying themselves to go 
off into the country, where everything was 
dead as nails.” 

The two young gentlemen were cousins and 
neither had yet arrived at the dignity of sixteen 
years ; but both were confident that they could 
have selected a much more agreeable place in 
which to spend the hot days. 

** We’ll go down in a country town, with 
nothing to do but sit around on a veranda 
7 


8 The Camp on Indian Island 

hating ourselves/^ Ruel grumbled when he 
and his cousin were discussing the matter. 

If father had decided to go into the woods, 
where a fellow might hunt bears and foxes, 
there would be some sense to it ; but a settle- 
ment with a name like that — gee ! ” 

Perhaps there will be plenty of sailing 
and fishing,^^ Frank said hopefully. ** It 
won’t be so bad if we can knock around in a 
boat all the time.” 

Do you suppose either your mother or 
mine would so much as let us look at a 
boat? ” and now Ruel gave evidence of relaps- 
ing into a fit of the sulks. How was it at 
Atlantic City last year? It’ll be * Ruel, don’t 
get your feet wet ! ’ or * Frank, you must put 
something around your neck, for the air is 
very damp.’ I’m tired of so much coddling, 
and wish we could do as we wanted to just 
once.” 

Despite the dissatisfaction of the boys with 
the location decided upon in which to spend 
the summer, the Bonney and Gilmore families 
left Philadelphia on the day agreed upon, and 
in due time arrived at the settlement with 
the dreadful name.” 


9 


Larry and Elish 

It proved to be very different from what the 
boys had fancied. The village of Caughna- 
waga was not particularly beautiful or inter- 
esting ; but the lake which was spread out in 
front of it as far as the eye could reach, dotted 
with tiny islands and enclosed by what was 
seemingly a real forest, had possibilities for 
sport far beyond what could be enjoyed at a 
fashionable watering place. 

^^Say, it^s not so bad,’^ Ruel said to his 
cousin on the morning after their arrival, as 
they viewed the scene from the veranda of the 
boarding-house, “ but I^m thinking it wonT do 
us much good, for the minute either you or I 
start toward the water somebody will have a 
fit for fear we^ll get our hair damp. If we 
could learn to swim it would be different ; but 
there’s no use thinking of anything so reck- 
less.” 

Ruel had hardly more than thus begun to 
grumble when, as he afterward admitted, 
Frank’s father gave him the surprise of his 
life ” by saying as he joined the lads on the 
veranda : 

Now, then, you boys are to have all the 
roughing you’ve been asking for. Do you see 


lo The Camp on Indian Island 

the island yonder that looks like a hill rising 
out of the water ? It’s called Indian Island 
— perhaps because there are no Indians on it. 
On it is a small camp of two rooms, so I am 
told, and it’s there you are to stay while we 
are here, if it pleases you. The families have 
agreed that you may go your own gait for the 
next three weeks, with the understanding 
that you don’t spend the time trying to drown 
yourselves.” 

“ Are we to go off in a boat by ourselves ? ” 
Ruel asked, as soon as he had recovered from 
his surprise sufficiently to speak. 

Surely, otherwise how could you get 
there ? It is agreed that we won’t interfere in 
any way, unless you show yourselves foolishly 
reckless. There is a boy around the house 
here who is willing to go with you, and you 
had better hunt him up in order to form your 
plans, for it is necessary to lay in provisions, 
find a boat, get some fishing-tackle, and, in 
fact, make all your preparations. 

Of course you won’t want any advice from 
those whom you believe have done too much 
coddling.” 

Ruel’s face reddened as his uncle said this. 


11 


Larry and Elish 

for he it was who had objected to the cod- 
dling/^ but Frank was too thoroughly excited 
to give any heed to the matter. 

“ Come on, Ruel, let^s find out who is going 
with us.^’ 

Even as he spoke a very small lad with 
very red hair came from around the corner of 
the house as if in search of somebody or some- 
thing, and Frank demanded of him : 

“ Do you know of any fellow who is going 
to camp out with us ? 

If you^re the fellers from Philadelphy, I^m 
the one. Seems to me you ain^t in any very 
great hurry to git off, seein^s it^s so late in the 
day.” 

Late ? Why, weVe just got out of bed,^' 
Ruel cried. 

Why didn^t you stay over a spell longer, 
an^ then it would have been time for to-mor- 
row^s breakfast. It must be nigh to eight 
o^clock.^^ 

** What time did you get up ? 

“ Long ^bout four ; we don^t spend the 
whole day in bed down this way. Are you 
fellers goin^ over to Indian Island this 
mornin' ? 


12 


The Camp on Indian Island 

Of course we are, and just as soon as we 
have had breakfast,” Ruel replied promptly. 
“ Uncle Tom said we^d have to lay in pro- 
visions, find a boat and all that sort of thing.” 

“ I’ve fixed the whole outfit, an’ been ready 
since sunrise,” said the red-headed boy. 
“ The * Gracie ’ ’ll tow us over, ’cause it’s nigh to 
four miles from here, an’ we don’t wanter be 
all played out with rowin’ when we get there.” 

What is your name ? ” 

“ Larry Dufifield. Say, get a move on, will 
yer ? If we hang ’round here all the forenoon 
Lander Leighton an’ his gang’ll tumble to 
what we’re up to, an’ they’ll play the very 
mischief with us. They allers contrive to 
spoil everythin’.” 

How ? ” 

Jest by kickin’ up a row. There’s Bill 
Dean an’ Hot Morgan, who travel with Lander, 
an’ they’re allers stickin’ their noses inter 
everything the rest of us fellers try to do. If 
we can run over to the island without their 
knowin’ what we’re about, it’ll be all right, so 
get outside your breakfast without any more 
foolin’, an’ I’ll see that the ^Gracie’ is in 
shape.” 


Larry and Elish 13 

Who is she?” Frank asked, and Larry 
replied with a laugh : 

Why, she’s the power boat that belongs to 
this house. We keep her to let when the 
summer boarders wanter go out sailin’ or 
fishin’. Say, are you ever goin’ to get ready ? ” 
The city boys allowed themselves to be lit- 
erally pushed into the dining-room by the 
energetic Larry, for both were so bewildered 
by the unexpected information that they were 
to be allowed to camp out ” alone, or with 
no other companion than the small, red- 
headed lad, as to be literally incapable of 
speech. 

That this plan had already been thoroughly 
arranged by the heads of the two families 
could be understood by the fact that neither 
Frank’s nor Ruel’s mother had anything to 
say by word of caution against going near the 
water, or into a boat, and indeed, the boys 
were just a trifle disappointed because every 
one treated it as a matter of course that they 
should be allowed to spend their time on the 
island, instead of at the boarding-house. It 
did not seem natural to be thus permitted to 
do as they pleased, without the least little 


14 The Camp on Indian Island 

word in the way of advice, and Ruel began 
to fancy that there would not be so much fun 
in roughing it as he had believed. 

You can come back for anything you 
may need in the way of provisions or cloth- 
ing, Mr. Gilmore said as the boys rose from 
the table after a hurried and unsatisfactory 
meal. Larry will look out for you, and I 
advise that you allow him to take charge of 
the business, although there is no reason why 
you shouldn’t engineer matters yourselves, if 
it seems that you can do it better.” 

The boys kissed their mothers and sisters, 
almost wishing one or the other would have 
something to say in the way of caution against 
this or that pleasure which had heretofore 
been forbidden, and even as they left the din- 
ing-room there was a feeling not unlike home- 
sickness in their hearts, for it was in some 
way as if they had been neglected. 

However, this soon passed oflP when they 
joined Larry, who had been impatiently 
awaiting them on the veranda, and listened 
to his plans for the future three weeks, which 
were to be filled as full of sport as was possible. 

It’ll be a high old time if Lander Leigh- 


15 


Larry and Elish 

ton^s gang don’t smell us out,” Master Duf- 
field said confidently, as he led the two boys 
down the narrow path to the lake. Your 
fathers have allowed that we can get every- 
thin’ we want, an’ you’ll find the best canoe 
on the lake layin’ ready for you. I’ve got all 
the grub we can eat in a week, an’ plenty of 
fish-lines. There’s dishes, an’ all that kind 
of stuff in the camp, so we’re goin’ to be 
mighty well fixed.” 

Then the boys set out for the shore of the 
lake, Ruel and Frank wondering ever so little 
why their mothers had not appeared to see 
them off ; but the disappointment was par- 
tially forgotten when they came to the water’s 
edge and saw the launch ** Grade.” 

She was a dainty little craft, and it seemed 
really too bad to use her for purposes of tow- 
ing, as was intended on this morning. 

Yes, she’s all right,” Larry said carelessly 
in reply to the praise bestowed by his com- 
panions ; but she can’t begin to run as fast 
as a craft on the other side of the lake that’s 
run by Mr. Woodward, who owns a summer 
cottage over there. This is the canoe we’re 
to use while campin’,” and Larry Duffield 


i6 The Camp on Indian Island 

leaped into a light craft lying at the side of 
the small pier literally loaded with a general 
assortment of such things as might be needed 
by the campers.’^ 

Can you run the ^ Gracie ^ Ruel asked 
nervously. 

Elish does that, an^ here he comes. 
Wouldn^t you think he had all day to do 
nothin^ in, by the way he moves ? ” 

Elish was not coming very rapidly ; but 
since the only work on hand just then was 
to tow the boys over to Indian Island, he 
believed there was no good reason why he 
should exert himself very much, particularly 
since the morning was exceedingly warm. 

“ Now, then, if you’ll get a move on, we’ll 
go over,” Larry said, impatiently, as he made 
the canoe fast to the stern of the launch, and 
beckoned for the city boys to get aboard. 

What’re you in sich a terrible pucker 
about?” Elish asked in a drawling voice. 
‘‘ I’m allowin’ you get enough of Indian 
Island before this summer’s over, without 
breakin’ your neck to get there so soon.” 

“ But I’m afraid Lander Leighton, or some 
of his gang, will find out what’s in the wind,” 


Larry and Elish 17 

Larry explained. “ If they know weVe goin^ 
over to Indian Island therell be trouble.’^ 

I reckon Leander knows all ^bout it/^ 
Elish replied, as he stepped gingerly aboard 
the Grade, as if afraid of overturning her. 
** I saw him snoopin’ ’round here a spell ago, 
an’ a feller wouldn’t need more’n one eye to 
know what was afoot, if he looked inter the 
canoe.” 

Larry showed very plainly that he was 
vexed, but when Frank would have ques- 
tioned him regarding what it was possible for 
Leander, or “ Lander,” Leighton to do, he 
pretended not to hear, but said impatiently to 
Elish : 

“ Well, why don’t you start her up ? We’re 
all ready, an’ there ain’t any sense in loafin’ 
’round here.” 

With her cargo and crew of three boys the 
little canoe was deeply loaded, but there was 
not a ripple on the water, and, unless the 
weight was suddenly shifted, there could be 
no danger of overturning, therefore, with a 
careless caution to mind their eye an’ not 
wiggle ’round,” Elish sent the “ Gracie ” 
ahead at a fairly good rate of speed. 


i8 The Camp on Indian Island 

Does any one live on the island where we 
are going? Ruel asked when they were fairly 
under way, and Larry replied with a laugh : 

You won’t think so when you see it. The 
whole place ain’t much bigger’n our back 
yard, an’ there’s nothin’ on it but the camp 
where we’re goin’ to stop. It’s a dandy spot 
for a good time, if the other fellers will let us 
alone. They come over to fish now and then, 
an’ they’ve sorter got to feel they own the 
island, I guess.” 

How many are there in the crowd ? ” 

Three, an’ they can kick up a bigger row 
than any other gang of the same size you ever 
run across. Seems like all they studied up 
was how to make trouble for somebody else.” 

Have we got a right to stay in the camp ? ” 
Ruel asked, looking exceedingly savage for 
the moment. 

** Of course we have, seein’s how your two 
fathers have hired the whole island.” 

“ Then I’d like to see only three fellows make 
very much trouble for us. Frank and I didn’t 
come down here for a fight ; but we don’t in- 
tend to let a lot of country guys interfere with 
our pleasure.” 


»9 


Larry and Elish 

Larry looked scrutinizingly at his compan- 
ions, as if mentally measuring them against 
“Lander Leighton’s gang,” and then said 
thoughtfully : 

“ I ain’t certain how we’d come out in a 
reg’lar row. You fellers don’t show up as if 
you could cut any great figger when it comes 
to a fuss with that crowd ; but, as father says, 
you never can tell by the length of a cat’s tail 
how far she can jump.” 

Neither Ruel nor Frank made any reply, 
nor did the occupants of the canoe indulge in 
any further conversation until the “ Gracie ” 
rounded the point of the island and Elish 
cried : 

“ Stand by there to haul in your painter, 
for I reckon this is as far as I need tow her. 
Be careful to haul that canoe out of the water 
when you ain’t usin’ her, an’ keep your eyes 
peeled for Leander’s crowd. I’ve got it in 
mind that they’ll try to be funny.” 

Then the “ Gracie ” chugged off in the di- 
rection from which she had just come, and 
the three lads were left to make the landing, 
and set the new home to rights, as best they 
could. 


CHAPTER II 


MAKING CAMP 

The camp on Indian Island was only a small 
shanty, hardly more than twenty feet long by 
ten wide, and divided into two small rooms, 
in one of which were the stove, cooking uten- 
sils and a table, while on the sides of the front, 
or larger, apartment were four rude bunks, 
similar to those found on board a vessel. Two 
or three chairs, a rack for guns and fishing- 
rods, a long, low chest-like locker, and a 
cracked looking-glass made up the list of 
furnishings. 

It was as rough and unhome-like an abode 
as the most enthusiastic camper-out could 
have desired, and to Ruel and Frank it ap- 
peared the most desirable place in which to 
spend a summer vacation that could have 
been found in a long search. Situated in the 
midst of a thicket of fir trees, one could easily 
guess that it would be infested by mosquitoes 
when the wind was not blowing at least 
20 


Making Camp 21 

half a gale, and at the same time be wickedly 
hot. 

It’s just great ! ” Ruel cried as he came up 
from the shore staggering under a heavy bur- 
den of camp equipage. When we get settled 
here I’d like to see any three fellows who could 
make very much trouble for us ! ” 

‘‘ We won’t hunt after them, but we’ll make 
it uncomfortable for that Lander gang if they 
come nosing around,” Frank added, wiping 
the perspiration from his face, for bringing a 
heavy load up from the shore, even though 
the distance could not have been more than 
thirty yards, was very much like a hard 
task. 

“ You ain’t countin’ on stoppin’ work so 
soon, are ye?” Larry asked in surprise and 
disapprobation. It’ll take us a good half 
day to get settled down in shape, even if we 
jump to it all the time.” 

What’s to be done ? ” Ruel asked, spring- 
ing to his feet to show that he was willing, if 
not eager, to perform his share of the neces- 
sary labor. 

'' Done ? Why, first we’ve got to haul the 
canoe up under the bushes where the sun 


22 


The Camp on Indian Island 

won’t pelt right down on her. Then there’s 
a slat of wood to be cut, ’less you count on 
dribblin’ the job along three or four times 
every day ; we’ve got to pack this stuff away 
where the mice an’ squirrels can’t raise hob 
with it, an’ mother said we must wash every 
dish in hot water, ’cause they’ve been gatherin’ 
the dust since last fall, when a party of fisher- 
men camped here.” 

‘‘Is the fishing good around here?” and 
now Frank showed signs of increasing ani- 
mation. 

“ Waal, it’s a little late in the season now ; 
but I reckon we can get a mess of pickerel 
whenever you hanker for that kind of eatin’. 
We’ll give ’em a whirl early to-morrow 
mornin’, an’ see what’s doin’. One of you 
will have to come with me so’s to haul the 
canoe up, an’ the other can be choppin’ wood 
if he feels like it.” 

There was nothing in the way of sport in 
hewing saplings into fuel with an ax that 
looked as if it had never been sharpened, 
therefore the boys went to the shore and un- 
loaded the canoe. As they drew her well up 
on shore Larry suddenly pointed out at the 


Making Camp 23 

lake. Not far away was a boat containing 
three persons. 

That’s Lander’s gang,” he announced con- 
fidently. They’re watchin’ out to see what 
we’re doin’ I ” 

It won’t be wise for them to try to play 
any games on us, for now that I know we’ve 
hired this island, and have a right to be here. 
I’ll make it warm for anybody who comes 
fooling around,” and Ruel looked particularly 
fierce. 

Larry did not reply to this remark ; but his 
companions noted with a certain sense of un- 
easiness that he kept a sharp watch upon the 
enemy’s craft, even leaving the camp from 
time to time after having begun work there, 
in order to make certain Leander and his 
friends had not approached near enough to do 
mischief. 

** Does your father know that Leander Leigh- 
ton is likely to make trouble for us — that is, 
if we let him come ashore ? ” Ruel asked as 
he noted Larry’s anxiety. 

“ I wasn’t crazy enough to say anythin’ to 
him ’bout it, when your folks wanted to hire 
me same’s they did the island.” 


24 The Camp on Indian Island 

“ And did father really hire you ? ” Frank 
asked in surprise. 

Waal, he said as how he^d allow a little in 
the way of pay if I’d come along to keep an 
eye on you chaps.” 

There ! ” Ruel cried. I knew there was 
something like a string on us ! It seemed 
queer father was so willing to let us come over 
here by ourselves. And to think that he 
believed a little fellow like you, who’re 
not as big as either of us, should be sent as 
guardian I ” 

** As what ? ” Larry demanded suspiciously. 

To take care of us — that was what you 
said.” 

Waal, I reckon your folks thought, seein’s 
how I’d alters lived here, that I might know 
more ’bout campin’ than you fellers did. Be- 
sides, I can cook quite a bit, an’ I don’t s’pose 
you know anythin’ ’bout that, seein’s you’ve 
stayed ’round in a city where the people buy 
all their stuff outer a shop.” 

Don’t you think city people ever cook 
anything?” Frank asked with a hearty laugh, 
and Larry replied earnestly : 

“ Elish says they buy everythin’ all fixed 


Making Camp 25 

up ready to eat, an’ he oughter know. He’s 
been to Boston twice. 

It was not an easy matter for the lads to 
keep their faces straight, as Larry thus ex- 
plained why he was familiar with the ways of 
those who lived in cities. Fully a minute 
elapsed before Ruel dared trust himself to ask : 

Why didn't you tell your father that you 
were afraid Leander might try to make 
mischief? " 

“ I wasn't sich a chump as that, 'cause if I 
had he mightn't have let me come, an' I 
didn't wanter miss a snap like this. There's 
a big pile of difference 'tween loafin' here on 
Indian Island, with nothin' much to do, an’ 
runnin' your legs off after city boarders who 
can't get things to suit 'em, no matter how 
hard you try. Why, we had a man here from 
New York last summer who thought Elish 
an' I shouldn't sit down to the same table as 
him, 'cause we hadn't washed our hands, an' 
I'd scrubbed mine that very mornin' brighter'n 
a new tin pan." 

“ And you went in to breakfast with him ? " 
Ruel asked, his voice trembling with sup- 
pressed mirth. 


26 The Camp on Indian Island 

It was supper when he raised the row. 
Terribly fussy that old chap was ; but they 
said he had piles an^ piles of money.” 

Hadn^t you washed your hands since early 
in the morning? ” 

“ ’Course not ; what do you think, that I’ve 
got nothin’ else to do when the summer 
boarders are here but scrub myself? My 
hands wasn’t dirty, an’ father allowed they 
wasn’t, ’cause I hadn’t been doin’ anythin’ but 
catch a few pickerel.” 

Larry had not been idle while thus explain- 
ing his trials with the summer boarders ; he 
had arranged the belongings brought in the 
canoe in a way to make the camp look more 
homelike, and, this done, he proceeded to 
build a fire with such fuel as had been left in 
the kitchen by the previous occupants. 

It was not yet noon when he finished his 
work, and then the campers ate a picnic din- 
ner, Larry claiming that there was no good 
reason why he should give evidence of his 
ability as a cook while there was so much food 
ready to be served. 

During the afternoon the boys roamed over 
the small island until they had thoroughly 




Making Camp 

explored every portion. Then a short excur- 
sion was made in the canoe, and when they 
had had enough of this sport Larry proposed 
that they go ashore and “ loaf the remainder 
of the day. 

There's no sense in gettin' all wore out be- 
fore we're settled down," he said with the air 
and in the tone of one who knows. If you're 
keen to try the fishin' we'll take a whack at 
it in the mornin', for that's the best time ; but 
the wood hasn't been cut yet, an' there ain't 
as much in the kitchen as we'll need if you're 
thin kin' of havin' coffee to drink for your 
breakfast." 

Larry's loafing " consisted in what the 
boys from the city thought very hard work, 
for each in turn swung the dull ax until fuel 
sufficient for two days' consumption had been 
piled up just outside the kitchen door, and 
then all three of the lads were ready to take 
a rest. 

Supper was served in the same style and 
manner as dinner, and when the shadows of 
evening began to gather Ruel proposed that 
two or three candles be lighted, for the silence 
was beginning to be oppressive. 


28 The Camp on Indian Island 

Larry rolled into one of the bunks, “jest to 
rest his legs,'' and in a twinkling his heavy 
breathing told that he was asleep. 

Ruel walked to and fro, stopping now and 
then to listen, although nothing could be 
heard save the faint murmur of the night 
voices, until the sound of his own footsteps 
caused him to feel nervous, and he said in a 
whisper to Frank : 

“Do you suppose we ought to watch for 
those fellows ? " 

“ They don't seem to trouble Larry very 
much," and Frank pointed toward the 
bunk, where their guide was sleeping noisily. 
“ How could we do any watching now that 
it is dark ? " 

Ruel remained silent for a full minute, and 
then going softly to the door he stood in 
a listening attitude until his cousin said, 
irritably and nervously : 

“ Why don't you sit down ? What's the use 
of mooning around as if you thought some- 
thing terrible was likely to happen ? " 

“ I thought I heard some one moving 
around outside," Ruel replied, as he tiptoed 
his way to one of the bunks. 


29 


Making Camp 

Then it was that Frank fancied he heard 
an unusual sound, and he in turn went to the 
door, moving to and fro as if afraid some one 
on the outside might suspect that he was on 
the alert, and in turn Ruel said with a certain 
tremor of the voice, which he could not sup- 
press : 

‘^Say, this isn^t just what I call having a 
tremendously jolly time I If youVe got to 
walk around in such a mysterious manner, do 
speak now and then ; it^s so quiet here that I 
can almost hear myself think. Waken Larry, 
will you? He^ll know whether anything is 
going on outside.” 

Frank very quickly did as his cousin de- 
sired, and Larry was out of the bunk in a 
twinkling, asking as he came to his feet much 
after the fashion of a steel spring : 

What^s the matter ? Anythin* gone 
wrong ? ** 

** We thought there was a queer noise out- 
side. What*s the use of going to bed before 
the evening has much more than begun? 
Ruel can*t sleep any better than I can, and 
it*s no more than fair you should keep your 
eyes open a while longer.** 


30 The Camp on Indian Island 

“ Of course you can’t sleep now, seein’s you 
didn’t get up till pretty near noon. It’s time 
all hands of us turned in, an’ that’s what we 
will do soon’s we take a turn outside so’s to 
make certain everythin’s right. What did 
the noise you heard sound like? ” 

I don’t know,” Frank said hesitatingly, 
not caring to admit that it was more than 
possible he had imagined it. Everything 
was so quiet that a very faint noise sounded 
loud.” 

Larry threw open the door without hesita- 
tion, saying as he disappeared in the darkness : 

Come on ; we’ll have a look at the boat, 
though there ain’t any need of fussin’ ’bout 
her, ’cause she was hauled up all right. I’m 
sure of that.” 

Ruel and Frank followed him very will- 
ingly, for neither cared to remain in the 
camp alone, and once in the open air both 
lads felt much better in mind. The soft lip- 
lip-lipping of the water on the sandy shore 
sounded friendly, and the swaying of the 
bushes was soothing rather than terrifying. 
It was the shadow set in motion by the flar- 
ing candles in the scantily-furnished camp 


31 


Making Camp 

which had caused the nervous feeling, and 
both mentally reproached themselves for 
having been so foolish as to be very nearly 
frightened by the knowledge that they were 
alone on the island. 

Larry led the way to the shore, moving 
swiftly, as if knowing beyond a doubt that 
there was nothing in the vicinity to work 
him harm ; but, having come to the bushes 
where it was believed the canoe had been left, 
he groped about like one bewildered. 

We must have left her further along the 
shore. I was mighty sure this was the place, 
though.^^ 

“Isn^t the boat there?'’ Ruel asked in 
something very like alarm, and Larry replied 
stoutly : 

I got fooled by the bushes. Most likely 
we left her further along. Things look dif- 
ferent in the night from what they do in the 
daytime." 

Then Larry felt here and there as if the 
canoe was so small that he might readily 
have walked over her unwittingly, until, 
growing anxious, the boys forgot the fears 
that had been excited by the silence of the 


32 The Camp on Indian Island 

night, and joined in the search, walking up 
and down the shore, scrutinizing carefully 
every clump of bushes within a quarter of a 
mile before the disagreeable truth came home 
to them. The canoe was gone I 

** That miserable gang of Lander^s has 
lugged her off,'^ Larry shrieked rather than 
said. An^ to think that I went to sleep like 
any swell when I knew they^d been ^round 
here.'^ 

For the moment Ruel and Frank could not 
understand that the loss of the boat was any- 
thing serious. They were within a few miles 
of the boarding-house, and Elish surely would 
come over in the Gracie within a short time. 
All this they said to Larry. 

“ he snapped. ** What you talkin^ 

about ? I heard the father of one of you say 
that he counted on lettin’ you have all the 
campin^ you wanted, an^ Elish got strict orders 
not to come ^round this way. We^re reg’larly 
wrecked, an’ we’ll stay where we are till some 
fool fisherman, who oughter know better than 
to think he can catch anythin’ nearabout this 
island, blunders over here ! ” 


CHAPTER III 


“ lander’s ” GANG 

But for the fact that Larry was in such 
distress of mind, the situation would not 
have appeared so serious to the city boys, 
who could not fancy how much hardship 
might come to them while they were within 
sight of their own people. 

But Larry stood straining his eyes into the 
darkness as he brandished his clenched fists, 
pouring out a torrent of invectives against 
those who had robbed him, until Ruel said 
impatiently : 

What’s the sense of making so much 
noise ? You’re not doing any good, except to 
those who have taken the boat, for it stands 
to reason they are close by, listening to your 
wild talk. If you want to please the robbers, 
keep on ; if not, let’s wait till we are where it 
will be possible to talk without being over- 
heard.” 

Larry turned quickly to look at this city 
33 


34 The Camp on Indian Island 

boy who had seemingly taken command of 
the party. Now the one feature of this expedi- 
tion which had particularly pleased Larry 
was the proposition by Mr. Gilmore that he 
accompany Ruel and Frank to give them the 
benefit of his experience in the sport of camp- 
ing out. He had so twisted this in his own 
mind as to really believe that he had much the 
same as been appointed guardian to the fel- 
lows from Philadelphia, and RuePs sharp words 
sounded to him much like mutiny against 
lawfully constituted authority. 

‘‘ I thought you^d never been campin^ be- 
fore he said, and Ruel replied with a 
laugh : 

I haven^t. But a fellow need not live all 
his life in the country in order to understand 
that you were playing the idiot by standing 
there waving your arms, and threatening to 
do what those fellows knew was impossible. 
It doesn^t seem to me that we^re in such ter- 
rible straits because the canoe has been stolen. 
As a matter of course we’ll have to hug the 
island pretty snug, but after a while our par- 
ents will send out here to learn why we don’t 
show ourselves.” 


35 


“Lander’s” Gang 

** But what’ll we do for somethin’ to eat ? ” 
Larry asked as if he had personal cause for 
anger against this city fellow who was show- 
ing himself so self-reliant. 

You brought over a big lot of food,” Frank 
suggested. 

** That’s true enough ; but it won’t last for- 
ever, an’ then what ? ” 

There surely is enough for three or four 
days.” 

That’s so ; but what about it when there’s 
nothin’ left — not so much as a crumb ? ” and 
Larry spoke as if he had worsted his compan- 
ions in a weighty argument. 

** Why, then we’ll begin to worry,” Ruel 
replied with a laugh ; but so long as there is 
no show for suffering, it strikes me we had 
better save our breath and our temper. 
Come back to the camp, and we’ll talk it 
over.” 

“ Do you reckon I’m goin’ to let that miser- 
able gang steal our canoe without doin’ the 
least little thing ? ” Larry asked angrily. 

As I look at it, you can’t help yourself, 
and I fail to see that you are bettering matters 
by howling,” Ruel said, all his fears of the 


36 The Camp on Indian Island 

silence and the night having vanished before 
Larry’s outburst of vain wrath. 

I’ll have ’em arrested, that’s what I’ll do. 
Lander Leighton shall find out that he can’t 
go ’round stealin’ things without gettin’ hisself 
inter jail.” 

Very well, you stay here till they come 
back. Then you can nab him and put him in 
jail,” said Ruel. 

He turned to retrace his steps, Frank fol- 
lowing the example, but before they had taken 
a dozen steps, Larry was at their heels, the 
three walking in single file along the narrow 
path which led to the shanty. 

Now it was that the city boys began to ap- 
preciate the beauty of the night, and the 
peacefulness of their surroundings. It was 
their first real glimpse at the wonder and 
majesty of solitude, and it is little wonder if, 
for the moment, they forgot that which had 
so aroused Larry’s anger and excited his 
fears. 

Before gaining the shelter of the camp, 
however, the boys, even including Larry, 
were so startled that more than one exclama- 
tion of fear burst from their lips, for the night 


“Lander’s” Gang 37 

air bore to them what sounded like a mourn- 
ful cry : 

“ Hell-0-0-0 ! Hell-0-0-0 ! 

What is it?” Frank asked in tremulous 
tones as he clutched his cousin’s arm nerv- 
ously, and Ruel, no less alarmed, turned to 
Larry. 

Did you hear that ? ” 

Of course I heard it I ” Larry replied with 
nervous anger. “ Do you think I’m deaf an’ 
dumb ? ” 

“ Hell-0-0-0 I Hell-0-0-0 I ” 

Frank tried to force Ruel into a run that 
they might gain the shelter of the shanty, but 
the latter held his ground, saying manfully, 
even though his teeth were much the same as 
chattering with fear : 

“ I won’t run away from what can’t be seen. 
Perhaps it’s an owl. I’ve heard that they 
make a mournful cry in the night.” 

Do yer s’pose I don’t know an owl when I 
hear one ? ” Larry cried hotly, at the same 
time edging his way a trifle nearer Ruel. 

That never was any bird ; it must be a 
ghost ! I’ve heard that there were strange 
goin’s on here when the Indians ” 


38 The Camp on Indian Island 

Don^t be a fool ! Ruel cried angrily. 

If you^re going back to the time when the 
Indians lived here, in order to find out what 
made the noise, it’s we who should have been 
sent to keep an eye on you. Now I ” 

“ Hell-o-o-o I Where’s yer boat ? Where’s 
yer boat? ” . 

It’s that gang of Lander’s lay in’ ’round 
here to poke fun at us ’cause we were so foolish 
as to leave the canoe where they could get at 
it ! ” Larry exclaimed with a long-drawn sigh 
of relief. I knowed it must be something 
like that.” 

Then why did you begin to talk of ghosts 
and Indians ? ” Frank cried, angry with him- 
self because of having been the first to show 
signs of fear. 

** That jest come inter my head, an’ I let it 
out, but you fellers mustn’t think I didn’t 
know it was Lander all the time. Now I’ll 
let that thievin’ bully know what I think of 
him,” and Larry stepped forward a pace as if 
to make reply to the ghostly hail, when Ruel 
clapped his hand firmly over the boy’s 
mouth. 

** Don’t make the same mistake again. 


39 


“Lander’s” Gang 

Larry. What’s the use of swapping words 
with those fellows? That’s just what they 
are hoping you’ll do. There’s no fun for 
them in stealing our canoe, if they can’t hear 
us whining over it.” 

“ Are you goin’ to stand here an’ let ’em 
say all they wanter?” Larry asked indig- 
nantly. 

I fail to see how you can prevent them,” 
Ruel replied with a laugh, ‘‘ and it strikes me 
that we would be wiser to give them a chance 
to show themselves. Then we can swear that 
they had our boat in tow, if such happens to 
be the case ; but, as it is now, we can only say 
it is our belief they took her.” 

Larry was not so dull but that he under- 
stood in a twinkling what Ruel meant, and 
he turned to retrace his steps, moving cau- 
tiously through the bushes, followed by the 
city boys, until the three stood on the shore 
near the place from which the canoe had been 
taken. 

Hell-o-o-o I ” came across the water, this 
time sounding nearer and more distinct, thus 
showing that the mischief-makers were ap- 
proaching the island. 


40 The Camp on Indian Island 

** Don’t make the least noise, and they’ll 
probably land,” whispered Ruel, stepping yet 
nearer the water, that he might, by pulling 
aside the bushes, have a view of such portion 
of the lake as lay directly in front of the little 
group. 

By this time it was possible to hear the 
sound of oars and low conversation, mingled 
now and then with a laugh of triumph or an- 
ticipation, and once more was it necessary for 
Ruel to restrain Larry from giving words to 
his wrath. 

Nearer and nearer came the night prowlers, 
until the boys in hiding could make out the 
boat and her occupants with reasonable clear- 
ness. Behind the craft, in which were three 
persons, could be seen the canoe, towing by a 
short painter, and Ruel thought the time had 
come when they might be able to get a con- 
fession of what had been done. 

Now you can say all that you’ve been 
bottling up,” he whispered to Larry ; but 
first ask if they have our boat ; we want 
them to own up good and fair, so it can be 
proven who took her.” 

Eager to give vent to his wrath, Larry 


Lander’s” Gang 41 

stepped outside the screen of bushes and 
cried : 

** Hello^ Lander ! 

Well, what d’yer want ? 

** What made you take our canoe ? Don’t 
you know we can’t get off this island without 
her?” 

** ’Course we do, an’ that’s why we hauled 
her off,” was the reply in mocking tones. 
t( We^re allowin’ that you an’ the dudes will 
stay on Indian Island till you get tired. 
This ain’t the place for city galoots to come 
an’ put on airs, an’ we’ll show ’em so before 
you get your canoe back ag’in. We’re goin’ 
to take her over on the other shore, an’ then 
come back to thump the life outer them sum- 
mer boarders I ” 

By this time Larry was actually dancing 
with rage, so angry that it was impossible for 
him to speak distinctly, and Ruel showed 
himself as he shouted : 

**We were only waiting for you to admit 
the stealing of our boat, and when we can get 
word ashore, which will be sooner or later, 
but within a reasonably short time, you shall 
have a taste of the law. I don’t fancy that 


42 The Camp on Indian Island 

country louts have any more right to steal 
than we city dudes. What is law for one fits 
the other, I guess. 

A howl of derision went up from those in 
the boat, but Ruel noted with no little satis- 
faction that they did not yell quite so loudly 
as before, which, to him, was good proof that 
his words had had some effect. 

Jest wait till Elish an^ I get hold of you 
villains ! Larry cried as he ran to and fro on 
the shore waving his arms frantically, and 
Frank seized him quickly, whispering as he 
dragged him behind the bushes : 

“ Can^t you understand that you are doing 
just what those chaps want? They wonT get 
any fun out of this night^s work if we’re not 
provoked into showing just how angry we are. 
Leave Ruel to deal with them, and I promise 
he’ll soon have them feeling mighty uncom- 
fortable.” 

We’re cornin’ ashore an’ thump the life 
outer you ! ” Leander cried when his compan- 
ions were at an end of their hooting, and 
Ruel replied placidly : 

That is just what will please us. We city 
dudes don’t pride ourselves on being bruisers. 


43 


‘‘Lander’s” Gang 

but I^m allowing that we can polish you off 
to-night, and see that you are arrested later. 
Come along, do ! 

Wait till we leave this boat where you 
can’t lay hands on her, an’ then we’ll come 
over an’ give you sich a dressin’ down as you 
never had ! ” one of Leander’s comrades cried, 
and Ruel said with a laugh : 

** We’ll wait all right, because we can’t do 
anything else, and we’ll do our best to give 
you a lively time. Don’t stay away any 
longer than is absolutely necessary.” 

We’ll come back sooner’n you’ll want to 
see us,” Leander replied angrily, and Ruel said 
in a low tone to his companions : 

We’ve succeeded in making him feel a bit 
uncomfortable, or I’m mistaken. He isn’t 
doing quite so much crowing now.” 

Larry would have added some threats to 
what Ruel had said, but Frank prevented him 
forcibly, saying in the meanwhile : 

Can’t you see that the matter is left just 
as it should be? There, they are turning 
around to go back, which is something they 
wouldn’t have done so soon if they were feel- 
ing as well as when they came up.” 


44 The Camp on Indian Island 

But you heard what Lander said ^bout 
cornin’ back to serve us out ? ” 

Yes, and I don’t fancy that any threats 
you might make would cause him to change 
his mind. I am hoping he will come, and 
right soon, too.” 

‘‘ Lander is big enough to eat two just like 
you,” said Larry, as if taking pride in the size 
of the fellow who, probably, was ring-leader 
in the mischief. 

“ Well, you know it isn’t always the size 
that counts,” Frank replied, with a laugh. 
“ I’m thinking it won’t be quite so easy to eat 
Ruel and me as you seem to think ; at all 
events, we are ready to take our chances, and 
if you are afraid of the bully, stay in the 
camp, where he can’t get at you.” 

I ain’t afraid,” Larry replied bravely ; 
but I know what that gang can do I ” 

“ Wait till you see what we can do,” Ruel 
said with a laugh. Those fellows seem to be 
in a hurry to get away, and I’m of the belief 
that they won’t make any very great haste to 
come back.” 

Leander and his party were indeed 
rowing their best, and had seemingly lost 


“Lander’s” Gang 45 

all desire to taunt those whom they had 
wronged. 

** What you goin' to do now ? Larry 
asked, after he and the city boys had 
watched the receding craft until she was no 
more than a blur on the dark waters. 

If you really think they dare come back, 
we'll stand watch, so that we can't be taken 
by surprise " 

They'll come, dead sure, 'cause Lander is 
a great hand to start a fight," Larry said in 
tremulous tones, and it was evident that his 
fear was rapidly getting the better of him. 


CHAPTER IV 


THE BATTLE 

The city boys were not inclined to look 
upon the matter as anything so very serious. 
Even though Leander and his followers had 
shown that they dared to steal the canoe, 
thereby making themselves liable to the 
penalties of the law, it did not seem probable 
the young roughs would go so far as to make 
an unprovoked attack, and so Ruel stated 
when summing up the situation, as the three 
walked slowly back to camp. 

You don’t know the gang as well as I do,” 
Larry said despondently. ** They’d rather 
fight than eat, an’ most likely Lander thinks 
it would be a big feather in his cap if he 
thumped a city dude.” 

I’d like to know where he sees anything 
dudish about us,” Frank said with a laugh, 
and Larry replied quickly : 

Them fellers call everybody who wears 
clean clothes the same name. They’re a 
46 


The Battle 


47 


tough lot, an' I oughter fixed it with Elish 
so's he’d keep his eye out on the island, ’cause 
it was dead certain they’d make trouble. I 
told you so.” 

‘‘ I don’t believe in a boy’s going around 
fighting,” Ruel said, thoughtfully, or brag- 
ging as to what he can do with his fists, but 
if those fellows try to make trouble for us, 
when we haven’t interfered with them in any 
way, there’s just a chance they’ll get the worst 
of it.” 

We can’t keep ourselves shut up in the 
camp all the time,” Larry wailed, and Ruel 
added, decidedly : 

I’m not counting that we’ll do anything 
of the kind. As a matter of fact, if there’s to 
be a row, that is the very place we should 
keep away from.” 

“ Do you mean that we oughter stay where 
they can get their hands on us ? ” 

“ I’m not counting on giving them the 
chance to get the best of us, as could be done 
if we shut ourselves up in the camp, because 
by fastening the door on the outside it would 
be possible for them to do as they pleased. 
What do you say, Frank, to hiding in the 


48 The Camp on Indian Island 

bushes near the shore, where we can see when 
they land, and rush them at the first fair 
chance ? ” 

“ That suits me, and if we do the business 
properly those fellows wonT have any great 
desire to pay us another visit. Larry says 
that our fathers hired this island, together 
with all that is on it, therefore we’ve got the 
right to defend what is our property so long 
as the rent is paid.” 

“ I tell you we’d get the worst of it I ” 
Larry cried in terror. The only show for us 
is to hug the camp mighty close an’ prevent 
them from cornin’ inside.” 

“ Then we’d be cooped up exactly to their 
liking,” Frank replied. Ruel is right 
when he proposes that we get in the first 
blow by jumping them from behind. If you 
are so frightened, Larry, you may keep out of 
the row entirely. We two can look after 
them, I fancy, if we take the rascals by sur- 
prise.” 

“ Of course I’m bound to do my share of 
the fightin’, ’cause I was hired to keep an eye 
on you fellers ; but it’s certain they’ll serve us 
out in great shape I ” 


The Battle 


49 


** I’m thinking we’re the ones who should 
be paid for looking after you,” Ruel said 
with a laugh. ** I’m willing to agree that 
you can give us points on camping ; but when 
it comes to defending yourself from those who 
haven’t the shadow of a right or reason for 
making trouble, you’re not in the game for a 
little minute. We’ll close the doors and win- 
dows of the camp, to make it appear that we 
have shut ourselves in, and then go back to 
the shore. It won’t be a bad idea to look up 
some clubs, for I’m not of the mind that we 
need be very careful with these wonderful 
Caughnawaga fighters.” 

Larry was only too willing to provide the 
party with weapons, and while his com- 
panions were attending to the shanty, he cut 
three good thick sticks, which, after being 
trimmed, gave promise of being most effective 
weapons. 

Ruel and Frank locked the door of the 
camp ; fastened the shutters slightly ajar, but 
in such a manner that they could not readily 
be opened from the outside, and left two can- 
dles burning on the top of the stove where 
there would be no danger of starting a con- 


50 The Camp on Indian Island 

flagration when they had burned to the end 
of the wicks. 

Then the boys went back to the shore, 
Larry following unwillingly in the rear, and 
in a thick clump of bushes, near the spot 
from which the canoe had been taken, a snug 
hiding-place was found. 

Ruel took the precaution of cutting away 
some of the foliage to permit of a good view 
over the lake, and then joined his comrades, 
saying as he nestled down by Frank^s side : 

** I believe we’re losing a night’s rest for 
nothing, because it doesn’t seem probable 
those fellows will dare to come back ; but if 
they should do so, we are in shape to give 
them the surprise of their lives. We’ll wait 
here two or three hours, and if they haven’t 
shown themselves by that time it will be 
proof that Larry has been more frightened 
than hurt, for ” 

It doesn’t look as if they intended to keep 
us waiting very long,” Frank said as he 
parted the foliage in order to have a better 
view of the lake. If that dark spot over 
yonder isn’t a moving boat, then I never saw 
one.” 


The Battle 


51 


** That^s what it is ! Larry whispered 
excitedly as he bent over Frank in order 
that he might see more clearly. “ They^re 
comin^ back, jest as Lander threatened, 
an^ we’re likely to get it mighty hot if 
you fellers stick to your way of runnin’ 
things.” 

We surely shall stick to it,” Ruel said 
with a laugh. “ If you want to take your 
chances in the camp, now is the time to run 
up there and lock yourself in; we’ll stay 
where we are.” 

During a full half minute Larry stood as if 
undecided. It was evident that he was eager 
to take advantage of the permission ; but yet, 
however dangerous the alternative seemed, he 
did not care to thus plainly proclaim himself 
as having less courage than these despised 
city fellows. 

“ I reckon I’d better stay and keep an eye 
on you,” he said, hesitatingly, ’cause that’s 
what I agreed to do ; but all the same it’s 
silly to stay here till they come.” 

Won’t take long to find out,” Ruel said 
grimly. Those fellows are rowing fast, and 
we shan’t be idle many minutes.” 


52 The Camp on Indian Island 

By this time it was possible to hear the 
sound of oars and a few moments later the 
hum of conversation, telling that the enemy 
was approaching at a good rate of speed. 

‘‘ You follow me, Frank, when I rush out,’^ 
Ruel said in a whisper. Well do our level 
best at the beginning, and if they show fight 
we may have to suffer for trying to surprise 
them ; but I^m counting on hurting some of 
that crowd. Larry can stay here or come on 
at our heels just as he thinks safest. Now 
keep still as mice till it^s time to begin the 
battle.’^ 

There was no question but that Larry 
would obey this last command. He had 
thrown himself face downward upon the 
ground when it was known that Leander and 
his following were near at hand, and except 
for a long-drawn sigh now and then no sound 
escaped his lips. 

Those who were bent on whipping the 

dudes appeared to have no idea that the 
city boys might defend themselves. They 
came rapidly on, running the bow of the boat 
into the sand within a dozen feet of where 
the defenders of the island were hidden, and 


The Battle 


S3 


clambered out of their boat without any 
apparent thought that it might be necessary 
to move silently. 

“ I reckon we^d better not let the dudes 
know we^re here till all hands are close up to 
the camp. Larry has most likely locked the 
shanty doors, but I know a trick of gettin’ in 
at the kitchen window, an^ if we can catch 
^em asleep we’ll have great fun with ’em,” 
Leander said, addressing his following as if 
he were a general leading a regiment of sol- 
diers to battle. 

‘‘ But you ain’t said yet what we’d do to 
’em,” Hot,” otherwise known as Horace 
Morgan, whispered impatiently. 

** We’ll thump the dudes till they beg us to 
stop, an’ I ain’t certain but we’d better lug 
Larry off same’s Bill wants to do. It would 
be a big joke to leave them city fellers here 
alone two or three days.” 

** Where would you keep Larry all that 
time ? ” Bill Dean asked. “ His folks would 
be lookin’ for him before then.” 

“ How would they know we had him ? ” 
Leander asked sharply. “ We’ll keep him in 
Haley’s barn till we see Elish cornin’ out this 


54 The Camp on Indian Island 

way in the power boat, an^ then let him 
loose.” 

But he'll tell his folks that we were the 
ones who lugged him off,” Hot suggested, 
with just a shade of fear in his tones. 

Don’t run away with any such idee as 
that,” Leander replied, with a scornful laugh. 
“ Larry’s sich a coward that we can make 
him hold his tongue by threatenin’ to thump 
the life outer him.” 

Ruel pinched the prostrate Larry to make 
certain he was giving due attention, and in 
another instant the intruders had begun the 
march up the narrow path leading to the 
camp. 

Now ! ” Ruel whispered to his cousin, and 
in a twinkling both lads were running at full 
speed, but silently as shadows, in the rear of 
the enemy, Larry following simply because 
he did not dare to remain behind alone. 

So unsuspicious of danger were Leander 
and his following that Ruel was within five 
feet of the hindermost, who was Bill Dean, 
before that young prowler heard anything 
betokening danger, and then he did not have 
time to turn his head before Ruel dealt him 


The Battle 


55 

such a blow across the legs as brought him to 
the ground like a log. 

“ Come on, fellows I Ruel shouted at the 
full strength of his lungs. Let ^em have a 
dose ! ” 

As he thus spoke his club came down 
across Leander^s shoulder, causing that bully 
to shriek with pain, and at the same instant 
Frank gave Hot ” Morgan such a poke in 
the back as tumbled him headlong. 

Two of those who had intended to thump 
the dudes were lying at full length amid 
the bushes, and the leader was howling with 
pain, although the battle had hardly begun. 

If Larry had lent a hand just at that mo- 
ment his old-time enemies might have received 
such a lesson as would not soon have been 
forgotten ; but, fearing what might be done in 
the future, after the ^^dudes had gone home, 
he held himself aloof, thus giving Bill Dean 
an opportunity to scramble to his feet and 
make a dash for the shore just as Ruel and 
Frank leaped upon Leander and Hot.” 

In passing. Bill gave Larry a blow full in 
the face, and then kept on at full speed until 
he had pushed the boat off into deep water, 


56 The Camp on Indian Island 

where, after scrambling into her, he remained 
shrieking for his comrades to join him. 

Ruel was bent on punishing Leander to the 
full extent of his ability, and to that end made 
an attempt to trip the other up; but the 
bushes interfered with his movements, and 
before he could deliver another blow, the 
leader of the invaders had taken to his heels, 
yelling in very fear, as he made all speed 
toward where Bill was so manfully shrieking 
for his comrades to rally around him. 

Frank had pinned Hot Morgan down in 
such a manner that he was helpless, and the 
young tough would have received the punish- 
ment of his life if Ruel had not interfered by 
saying : 

He^s the only one who hasn^t run away, 
and he stayed only because it was impossible 
to do anything else. It looks too much like 
three jumping on one to give him any more, 
so let the sneak go.’^ 

Just for the instant Frank hesitated, and 
then, rising to his feet, at the same time pull- 
ing the frightened lad up, he said to him 
savagely : 

“ It wasn’t such an easy matter to thump 


The Battle 


57 


the dudes, was it ? I ought to serve you out 
in proper shape ; but since your friends have 
taken to their heels you shall go with them. 
Remember this, however, unless you want me 
to settle matters with you later : If you or any 
of your crowd try to make more trouble for 
us the next dose won^t be so slight.^^ 

And you^re to bring our boat back before 
morning, or we’ll have you arrested for steal- 
ing as soon as word can be sent to the village,” 
Ruel added, as he laid hold of the half-dazed 
boy to prevent him from running until the 
warning had been given. Somebody is bound 
to come around this way before a great while.” 

** You shall have the blamed old canoe as 
soon as we can get her here,” Horace Morgan 
blubbered, and Ruel released his hold. 

It is safe to say that “ Hot ” ran as he never 
had done before, and the city boys were not 
yet done with laughing when the sounds of 
oars told that the vanquished invaders were 
getting away from the vicinity of Indian Is- 
land at their best pace. 

As the boys started back toward the camp 
Ruel suddenly halted. 

** Well,” he exclaimed, we don’t know 


58 The Camp on Indian Island 

enough to come in when it rains I Why 
didn^t we wait until they had got up near the 
camp, and then taken their boat I ” he cried 
in a tone of vexation. It would have been 
worth a dozen such scares as this has been to 
have made them prisoners on the island while 
we went back to the village and gave our 
fathers a chance to say what should be done 
to them ! 

** Say, that’s so. Why didn’t we think of 
it ? ” Frank added bitterly, but Larry was 
not of the same opinion. 

“ It’s mighty lucky you didn’t think of any 
such plan, for they’d served us out terrible the 
next chance they got I Don’t get to crowin’ 
so loud, for you’ll see ’em back here before to- 
morrow night, an’ they’ll bring a gang with 
’em that’ll make it mighty hot for us I ” 


CHAPTER V 


SUSPENSE 

It seemed much as if Larry^s fears regard- 
ing Leander Leighton and his friends had in- 
creased since the city boys gave them a scare, 
and, possibly, a lesson in the art of minding 
their own affairs. 

Although he knew the mischief-makers 
were well clear of the island, Larry moved 
cautiously up the path toward the camp, as if 
fearing each instant that an attack would be 
made upon him. 

What^s the matter, Larry ? ” asked Ruel. 

Have you an idea that there may be other 
boys around here who are aching to give the 
dudes a lesson ? 

I allow that Lander is the only fellow 
who^d think of playing sich tricks,” Larry re- 
plied in a half whisper, as if afraid of being 
overheard. 

^*Then, whaPs the matter? You Ve acting 
as if you believed the island was fairly alive 
with boys.” 


69 


6o The Camp on Indian Island 

** There^s no tellin^ what Lander^s crowd 
may do/’ the lad replied with a long-drawn 
sigh. “ It wouldn’t be so dreadful hard for 
him to sneak ’round the point, an’ jump in on 
us before we could get up to the camp.” 

Ruel and Frank laughed boisterously at this 
suggestion, and it was a full minute before the 
latter could control his mirth sufficiently to 
say : 

You’re giving him credit for being able to 
move mighty fast, for we know to a certainty 
that he and his crowd pulled straight away 
from the island, and the best oarsman in the 
world couldn’t double back in time to over- 
haul us before we get to the camp. Then, 
again, and this surely should be sufficient to 
set your fears at rest, that gang have had a 
full dose for one night. They won’t care to 
show their noses here within the next twenty- 
four hours.” 

Now don’t get to thinkin’ anything like 
that,” Larry cried, as if in an agony of terror. 
“ Because you served ’em out so rough they’ll 
be all the more keen to square things. They’re 
certain to come before Elish does.” 

I believe Larry is more than half right,” 


6i 


Suspense 

Ruel said gravely, when his cousin would have 
indulged in another fit of merriment at the 
country boy^s expense. “ We didn^t finish 
the job properly, or they wouldn't be in shape 
to do much fighting." 

Then you really believe they'll come back 
within a short time ? " Frank asked in surprise. 

It seems reasonable. The evening isn't 
more than half gone and they can well afford 
to stay out until midnight in order to pay us 
off for having interfered with their plans." 

** Well then, what are you going to do 
about it ? " 

** I believe we should stand guard along the 
shore, to make certain they can't get on the 
island without our knowledge." 

** How can three of us keep our eyes on the 
whole shore ? " Larry asked sharply, almost 
angrily, and Ruel replied placidly : 

By walking back and forth within a cer- 
tain space it should be possible. There won't 
be any fun in doing sentinel duty all night ; 
but it'll be way ahead of giving them a chance 
to catch us napping." 

By this time the boys had arrived at the 
camp, and Larry made all haste to get inside 


62 The Camp on Indian Island 

the building, as if believing that it was the 
only spot on the island where he would be safe 
from “ Lander's gang." 

The city boys followed the lad who had been 
employed to keep an eye on them," for the 
very good reason that there was nothing more 
important to be done just then, and once in 
the kitchen Larry proceeded to lay out cooked 
food on the table as if he was in danger of 
starvation. 

What's all that for ? " Frank asked in sur- 
prise. It can't be more than three hours 
since we had supper I " 

^^What of that? There's no tollin' when 
we'll have another chance to fill up, for once 
Lander gets to ragin' somethin's goin' to be 
done." 

Your friend Leander is the one who will be 
done if he does anything more than bring 
back our boat," Ruel replied grimly, and then 
he and Frank, although they were not hungry, 
followed Larry's example, in the way of pre- 
paring for the future; but they were not in- 
clined to believe that it consisted solely in eat- 
ing as much as possible. 

Can you swallow anything more ? " Ruel 


Suspense 63 

asked when Larry had, with no slight diffi- 
culty, succeeded in forcing down the fifth fat 
doughnut of his mother’s making, and Larry 
replied with a sigh of regret : 

I wish I could, but them doughnuts are 
so big that a feller can’t get outside of many 
at a time.” 

“ Then come along, and we’ll do what we 
can to keep your friend Leander from making 
a landing on this island without our knowl- 
edge.” 

What’re you goin’ to do ? ” Larry asked 
suspiciously. 

Why, we’ll patrol the shore. This island 
isn’t so big but that we three should be able 
to cover it in good shape,” Ruel replied in a 
matter-of-fact tone. 

“ So you’re still stuck on walkin’ all night, 
eh ? ” Larry asked in a tone of scorn. 

“ I can’t say I’m stuck on it ; but that’s 
what’s got to be done, for we aren’t willing to 
give those young toughs a chance to do us any 
more mischief.” 

An’ you won’t stay here in the camp when 
we can make a regular fort out of it, and keep 
’em outside ? ” 


64 The Camp on Indian Island 

** It would be a prison, rather than a fort, 
for if that gang should come and find us shut 
in, it would be a simple matter to prevent us 
from getting out/^ 

Well, I'll stay right here, an' we'll see 
who'll come through the scrape in the best 
shape," Larry said with a vain effort at ap- 
pearing determined, and at the same time 
glancing furtively at his companions. 

There's nothing to prevent you from 
pleasing yourself," Ruel replied carelessly. 

I reckon Frank and I can stand guard 
alone ; but what if the toughs should come 
ashore, thus giving us the opportunity to get 
off in their boat?" 

You wouldn't leave me on the island alone 
with 'em ? " and Larry gave every evidence of 
alarm. 

What else could we do ? " Frank asked. 

We should have taken their boat when we 
had the chance, and it would be hard lines to 
miss it again, simply because you were shut 
up here in the camp." 

Larry looked from one to the other, as if 
trying to decide whether they really would go 
away while he remained much the same as a 


Suspense 65 

prisoner. He must have come to the conclu- 
sion that the city boys would not hesitate, if 
they could really get possession of the enemy^s 
boat, for he said in anything but a cheerful 
tone : 

“ Well, if you are bound to walk ^round all 
night when you could go to bed an^ enjoy 
yourselves, I s'pose I’ll have to trail on be- 
hind ; but all the same it’s a big piece of fool- 
ishness.” 

“ It may be,” Ruel said, with a cheery ^ 
laugh ; but we’ve got a different idea in our 
heads, and you couldn’t drive it out by the 
proposition that we shut ourselves in here, and 
wait for them.” 

As he spoke Frank opened the door and 
Ruel stepped outside, Larry hanging back to 
ask : 

** Are you goin’ to lock the camp door ? ” 

“ You may if you can ; it will keep those 
fellows out ; but you heard Leander say that 
he knew how to get in through the kitchen 
window.” 

I’ll lock the door anyway,” Larry replied, 
and he spent so much time in so doing as to 
make it appear very plain that he would have 


66 The Camp on Indian Island 

been glad to see the enemy returning while it 
was yet possible to gain a shelter inside. 

The city boys did not wait many seconds 
for him to fumble with the key, but started off 
down the path to the shore and, rather than 
be left alone in the dark, Larry very speedily 
had the door as securely fastened as was pos- 
sible with the frail lock. 

Not a word did Larry speak as the three 
walked toward the shore, and, understanding 
that he was afflicted with a bad case of the 
sulks, Ruel and Frank made no effort to en- 
gage him in conversation. 

On arriving at the water^s edge Ruel said 
to his cousin : 

You go in that direction and I will take 
the opposite course ; we'll keep on until 
we meet; then each can turn and retrace 
his steps. Of course we must all be keeping 
our ears as well as our eyes open, and at 
the first sound of oars we must contrive to 

come together at this place " 

“ What am I to do ? " Larry interrupted. 
“ It’s all a crazy piece of business to make so 
much work for ourselves ; but I don’t want 
to be left behind alone.” 


Suspense 67 

** Afraid ? Frank asked with a laugh, and 
Larry replied decidedly : 

** Of course I ain’t — that is, not while 
Lander’s gang keep at a distance; but I 
wouldn’t want to be by myself if they were 
on the island.” 

‘‘ You may follow one of us ; or, we’ll 
divide the distance into three parts, with you 
to take one of them. What do you say?” 
said Ruel, and Larry added : 

I reckon it’ll be jest as well if I stay with 
one of you.” 

Very well, we’ll begin the tramp, and 
bear in mind, Larry, that we are to keep 
mighty still. I don’t want those fellows to 
find out that we’re on watch, for if there is a 
chance of our getting their boat, as well as 
our own, we mustn’t slip up on it.” 

The city boys began the tramp, going in 
opposite directions, and Larry kept close at 
Ruel’s heels, complaining now and then when 
the leaders stopped to peer out over the water. 

What do you expect to see while it’s so 
dark ? ” he asked irritably, and Ruel said 
sharply : 

Look here, Larry, I’m not doing this for 


68 The Camp on Indian Island 

fun, but in order to give your friends the 
lesson that might have been given a short 
time ago if we hadn’t been so stupid. I’m 
not minded that you should let them know 
what’s going on, as surely will be done unless 
you hold your tongue. If you can’t trail on 
behind without making any noise, you’d 
better just stay here by yourself, and that you 
may depend upon.” 

This had the effect of reducing Larry to 
silence, and not another word came from his 
lips, even when they met Frank after half 
the distance around the island had been 
traversed. 

Even to the city boys, who were so eager 
to teach Leander and his followers a needed 
lesson, it was a dismal time of suspense and 
labor. It was quite within the bounds of pos- 
sibility, as both Ruel and Frank understood, 
for the enemy to make a landing secretly, 
despite the alertness of the sentinels, and most 
humiliating would it be to the lads from 
Philadelphia if they were finally worsted, 
after having had it in their power to punish 
the invaders. 

A full hour passed without anything be- 


Suspense 69 

tokening the enemy having been seen or 
heard, and even Ruel was beginning to be- 
lieve they were foolish to thus exert them- 
selves while Leander and his followers might 
have gone home like honest boys, when sud- 
denly there came over the water a faint 
throb-throb-throbbing as of oars. 

They^re coming ! Ruel whispered ex- 
citedly to Larry. Suppose you run back to 
overtake Frank, and bring him here? 

^‘I’d rather stay where I am,’^ Larry replied 
tremulously, and it was with difficulty that 
Ruel repressed an exclamation of anger. 

Then we must take our chances of their 
going past on either side, and wait till Frank 
comes up,^^ he said curtly, and during the 
next five minutes it was as if he could hear 
the beatings of his own heart, so great was the 
suspense and anxiety. 

Fortunately, however, or so it seemed at 
the time, Frank had also heard the sound of 
oars, which momentarily grew louder, and 
hurried forward at his best pace until he came 
upon his companions at a point on the shore 
nearly opposite the place from which the 
canoe had been stolen. 


70 The Camp on Indian Island 

It sounds as if they counted on making a 
landing somewhere near here,” he whispered 
to Ruel. Shall we let them go past us, as 
we did before, and then make a dash for their 
boat?” 

“ That^s the idea. Unless we do something 
to give an alarm the plan should work as well 
as when they first came. Get into the bushes 
as soon as we can say to a certainty where 
they'll come ashore, and then keep perfectly 
still until they are so far inland that there'll 
be no danger of their hearing us when we 
make a break for the boat.” 

In a twinkling the lads were among the 
foliage, where, in the gloom of the night, 
there was no danger of being seen, and Larry 
literally burrowed into the moss that he 
might be screened from view. 

Five, ten minutes passed, and then it was 
possible to distinguish the outlines of the 
slowly approaching boat. Because of the 
warm reception accorded them on their previ- 
ous visit the invaders were more cautious, and 
used their oars as paddles when near the 
shore, lest the splashing of the water should 
be heard. 


71 


Suspense 

Ruel gripped his cousin^s arm as Leander^s 
party ran the bow of the boat up on the sand 
within twelve or fifteen yards of where they 
lay in hiding, and stepped quietly and cau- 
tiously ashore. 

On this occasion the leader did not take 
the chances of addressing his followers before 
leading them on to supposed victory, but, after 
making certain they were close behind him 
in single file, started in the direction of the 
camp. 

Ruel counted fifty, in order to have some 
idea of the passing of time, and then whispered 
to his companions : 

Now see how softly we can move. Don^t 
speak, but pile aboard that boat and push.^^ 

He had not ceased speaking before Larry 
leaped to his feet, and, without any heed 
as to silence, ran at full speed toward the 
shore, making noise enough to have given 
token of his movements to any one on 
the island, even though so far away as the 
camp. 

Then came a shrill cry of terror from him, 
even before Ruel or Frank had had time to 
give vent to their anger because of his indis- 


72 The Camp on Indian Island 

cretion, and an instant later could, be heard 
the startling information : 

The boat^s adrift I She's adrift, and now 
what'll we do ? " 


CHAPTER VI 


THE PARLEY 

Neither Ruel nor Frank understood the 
full meaning of Larry^s words when he an- 
nounced that the boat which they hoped to 
capture was adrift, leaving Leander and his 
followers on the island. 

At the moment the only thought in the 
minds of the city boys was that by coming 
out from the place of concealment with so 
much noise, and by shouting at the full 
strength of his lungs, Larry had prevented 
them from giving the invaders a lesson such 
as they deserved. 

Therefore it was that Ruel and Frank 
stood like statues near the hiding-place, mak- 
ing no effort to go forward or retreat, so des- 
perately angry because of what they believed 
simply a display of cowardice, as to be abso- 
lutely incapable of speech. 

Leander and his following had no such over- 
whelming cause for anger ; but they under- 
73 


74 The Camp on Indian Island 

stood that once more had the dudes proven 
that they excelled in strategy, and, with the 
hope that it might yet be possible to avert a 
disaster, retraced their steps at full speed, ar- 
riving at the water’s edge only to see their 
boat being carried rapidly away by the strong 
night breeze, while Larry Dutfield stood gaz- 
ing helplessly at her. 

Leander was not remarkable for his quick 
wit, or, in other words, he was a dull lad, and 
instead of understanding how the mishap had 
occurred, as many another boy in his position 
would have done, believed that Larry had set 
the boat adrift as a means of being revenged 
for the theft of the canoe. 

Therefore it was that Leander proceeded at 
once to deal out justice with a swift and 
heavy hand. 

Here’s the sneak who did it ! ” Leander 
cried, leaping upon the unfortunate Larry 
much as a cat jumps upon a mouse. Come 
on, fellers, an’ we’ll thump the life outer 
him ! ” 

Larry had no more than time to give vent 
to a shrill squeal of terror before Leander be- 
gan to pummel him, and in a twinkling Bill 


75 


The Parley 

and Hot were aiding their leader in a most 
vigorous fashion, Larry screaming with pain 
and fear. 

It serves him right,’' Ruel said grimly, 

for he spoiled the whole plan, but at the 
same time we can’t stand here and see those 
fellows pound him. Come on I ” 

No more than a minute had elapsed from 
the time Leander struck the first blow, when 
Ruel and Frank took a decided hand in the 
affair, and so vigorous was their attack that 
the invaders were speedily forced to give over 
the punishment of Larry in order to protect 
themselves. 

“ Haven’t you got life enough to help your- 
self? ” Frank cried angrily as, when the battle 
was well on, he saw Larry stand idly by nurs- 
ing his own bruises while those who had 
come to his rescue were fighting against odds. 

Do something ! ” 

This appeal did not arouse the frightened 
lad, who stood leaning against a tree as if on 
the verge of death, when, by prompt action, 
he might have turned the victory in favor of 
his own party. 

Except for a fortunate accident the city boys 


76 The Camp on Indian Island 

would have been speedily beaten, for they 
were but two against three. Ruel had but 
just said to himself that a rapid retreat was 
necessary in order to save themselves from 
severe punishment, when Leander, who was 
opposed to him, stumbled over a fallen tree at 
the very moment when Bill Dean was rush- 
ing forward to get in a heavy blow on the 

city dude.^' 

The natural result was that both the young 
toughs measured their lengths on the ground, 
one on top of the other, and Ruel had them 
at his mercy. 

“ Finish that fellow off in short order I ” 
he cried to Frank. IVe got two of 
the gang where they can't play any funny 
tricks." 

Hot Morgan, who was but little braver than 
Larry, took alarm at this announcement, and 
without waiting to strike another blow fled 
up the path at full speed. 

With the leader of the gang and his lieu- 
tenant helpless and howling for mercy, the bat- 
tle was ended in favor of the dudes " ; but it 
had been a close shave for the defenders of the 
island, who surely would have been worsted 


The Parley 77 

save for the accident which virtually put 
Leander out of the fight. 

Ruel and Frank made certain the prisoners 
could not offer further resistance by pinning 
them down to the ground, and then it was 
that the city boys realized they had made an- 
other mistake. If, instead of going to Larry’s 
assistance, they had pressed on to seize the 
drifting boat it might have been possible to get 
possession of her before she was in deep water. 

The battle had been prolonged, however, 
until the wind had carried her so far from the 
shore that there was little hope of reaching 
her even by swimming, and the city visitors, 
as well as the invaders, were prisoners on the 
island. 

Even though you didn’t dare to defend 
yourself, you might have gone after the boat 
when we came up to take your part ! ” Ruel 
cried angrily to Larry Duffield. It’s a pity 
these fellows didn’t give you a worse flog- 
ging ! ” 

I’m mighty near killed already ! ” Larry 
sobbed. How could a feller go after the old 
boat when he’s ’bout dead ? ” 

I notice that you’ve got life enough left to 


78 The Camp on Indian Island 

make the biggest kind of a noise I Why don’t 
you stop howling like a baby, and do some- 
thing ? ” 

I’d like to know what I can do ? ” Larry 
wailed. ^^The whole crowd jumped down on 
me, an’ I couldn’t so much as move a finger ! ” 
Oh, stop that kind of talk,” Leander 
Leighton cried contemptuously, speaking in- 
distinctly because Ruel was pressing his face 
deep amid the moss and dead leaves. You 
wouldn’t dare to move a finger if one of us had 
so much as looked your way ! Say, you city 
fellows, we’re willin’ to agree that you’ve got 
us foul, an’ now what’re you goin’ to do ’bout 
it ? It don’t stand to reason you can hold us 
down here all night.” 

I’m trying to think what we had best do,” 
Ruel replied in a thoughtful tone ; “ but first 
I’d like to know why you sent your boat adrift 
when you came ashore? Did you count on 
staying here a spell with us ? ” 

We didn’t send her adrift,” Bill Dean cried 
angrily. ''Hot Morgan was to pull her up, 
an’ he must have forgot about it. Now what 
are you fellers goin’ to do? ” 

" I don’t know,” Ruel replied truthfully. 


79 


The Parley 

** I did have it in mind that we’d give you 
fellows the soundest thumping you ever had ; 
but it doesn’t seem like the right thing to do 
now you’re helpless. Suppose we let up on 
you? ” 

) “ I can’t see that we’d be much better off,” 
Leander said as he finally succeeded in freeing 
his mouth from leaves. Here we are on this 
blessed island, with no chance to get off. It 
looks as if we’d got ourselves into the worst 
kind of a hole, ’less there’s a show Larry’s 
Elish will come to see how you’re gettin’ 
along.” 

** He agreed not to show up here for a week 
at the very shortest,” Larry wailed. ** Of 
course he believes we’ve got the canoe, an’ 
there ain’t any reason for him to spend time 
runnin’ ’round the lake when the city board- 
ers want so much waitin’ on. If somebody’d 
only find the canoe ! Then our folks would 
know we was in trouble.” 

** There’s mighty little chance for that,” 
Bill Dean said glumly. We hauled her 
way up in the bushes on Johnson’s Point, an’ 
even if you knew jest where to find her, it 
would take a mighty long time.” 


8o The Camp on Indian Island 

Well, it seems as if we were fixed here for 
quite a spell, Ruel said half to himself, as he 
unconsciously so far raised himself that Lean- 
der had no difficulty in wriggling free ; but 
he made no attempt at running away, perhaps 
for the very good reason that it would have 
been impossible to go far. 

Then it was that Ruel beckoned for his 
cousin to follow him a short distance among 
the bushes for a private conversation, and 
while they were absent the invaders and Larry 
stared savagely at each other in silence ; but no 
one moved, save as the late prisoners made a 
slight change of position in order to lessen 
their bodily discomfort. 

When perhaps three minutes had elapsed 
the city boys came back, and Ruel said, 
speaking sternly : 

“ Of course we canT hold you two prisoners, 
for it may be three or four days before it will 
be possible to leave the island. The camp is 
ours, because our fathers hired it, and here 
we shall live until somebody comes to the res- 
cue. You are to hunt up the other member 
of the gang, and get along as best you may on 
the westerly side of the path. If you cross the 


The Parley 8i 

line, no matter for what purpose, well thump 
the life out of you/^ 

But howll we get anything to eat? 

That isnl any affair of ours,^^ and now 
Frank did his share toward settling matters. 

We didnl ask you to come here, nor did we 
set your boat adrift, therefore, it seems to me 
that you’re getting off easily.” 

Leander and Bill rose to their feet slowly, 
and Larry, who had not ventured to move 
from his self-selected station near the tree, ex- 
claimed in alarm : 

Are you city fellers goin’ to let them off 
like this ? They won’t stay where you’ve put 
’em, any more’n a flea would, an’ there’ll be 
terrible times ’round here ! ” 

You an’ Hot Morgan oughter be put inter 
a bag together an’ shook up ! ” Bill Dean said 
in a scornful tone. No matter what kind of 
times we have ’round here, you two won’t be 
in it, ’cause you’re too big cowards to take any 
chances. If Hot don’t wish his cake was 
dough before I get through with him, it’ll be 
funny, an’ you can make certain he’ll never 
let another boat go adrift when he’s been 
told to look out for her I ” 


82 The Camp on Indian Island 

Then Master Dean marched off into the 
bushes, and Leander followed him, Larry cry- 
ing shrilly as the invaders disappeared from 
view : 

‘‘ Now you city fellers have dished every- 
thin^, an’ that’s the fact I You oughter had 
better sense than to let Lander and them 
other fellers loose I ” 

Considering the fact that all you’ve done 
is to howl and run away, I can’t see that any- 
thing we may decide upon concerns you,” 
Frank replied sharply. ** But for being 
frightened out of all your wits, if you ever 
had any, I believe you could have got hold of 
the boat I ” 

Don’t let’s quarrel among ourselves,” Ruel 
cried quickly, before Larry could make reply. 
** We’re in a disagreeable position ; let’s stick 
together. We’ll go up to the camp to make 
certain Leander and his gang don’t get more 
than their share of the provisions.” 

‘‘ More’n their share I ” Larry cried as if in 
a rage. “They haven’t got any share, an’ 
shan’t have so much as a crumb ! ” 

“ Listen to me a minute, Larry, and try to 
understand what I say, so that we may get 


The Parley 83 

along better in the future. Frank and I will 
take charge of this business, for you’re not to 
be depended on, and matters will go exactly 
as we say. I don’t feel inclined to feed three 
boys who have made so much trouble for us ; 
but at the same time I won’t sit still and see 
them suffering from lack of food when we’ve 
got plenty.” 

But I brought that stuff from home, an’ 
it’s mine I ” 

“ I reckon you will find that your parents 
charged our fathers every cent it was worth, if 
you come to a question of ownership, so 
don’t put in any especial claim on what 
is common property. Come on, and try 
to hold your tongue until we are where 
it may be possible to talk without being over- 
heard.” 

Then Ruel led the way at a rapid pace 
toward the camp, and Larry could do no less 
than obey, at least so far as to follow the city 
boys, for he did not dare to loiter lest Leander 
or one of his friends should pounce upon 
him. 

The three walked rapidly up the path until 
arriving at the camp, and, greatly to their re- 


84 The Camp on Indian Island 

lief of mind, neither saw nor heard the in- 
vaders. 

Now you have a chance of hugging the 
shanty closely, as was your desire in the first 
place, Ruel said to Larry as the three 
entered the building, closing and locking the 
door behind them, and Larry replied in the 
tone of one who has been deeply injured : 

If we^d stayed here as I wanted to, we 
wouldn’t be shut up on this island with that 
gang.” 

“ We should have stood a good chance of 
being shut up here ; but they would be in con- 
dition to go or come as they pleased, and I 
would rather have matters as they are,” and 
Ruel set about examining the fastenings of the 
windows, giving particular attention to those 
in the kitchen, where Leander had said it 
would be an easy matter for him to enter. 

‘‘ It’s a case of standing guard, and Larry 
must do his share,” Ruel said firmly. '' He 
can at least keep his eyes open, and awaken 
us if any one comes prowling around.” 

I wouldn’t stand guard alone for a thou- 
sand dollars ! ” Larry cried in an agony of 
terror, and Ruel added grimly : 


The Parley 85 

** Unless I’m making the biggest kind of a 
mistake you’ll do it without being paid a 
cent, or take the chances of settling with 
Frank and me, for the time has come when we 
can’t afford to have any foolishness.” 


CHAPTER VII 


THE WATEK SUPPLY 

Ruel proposed, and his cousin agreed, that 
he should stand the first watch, remaining on 
guard an hour or more, when Frank was to 
relieve him and Larry come on duty in turn. 

This arrangement had hardly more than 
been decided upon, and Frank was ready to 
crawl into the narrow bunk, when Ruel made 
the discovery that there was no water in the 
camp. 

Whoever is on guard may be thirsty be- 
fore morning, and it will be better if I get 
what we may need. Then there will be no 
reason for awakening all hands when a supply 
is wanted,” Ruel said, as he took up the water 
can and softly unlocked the door. 

The spring was at some distance from the 
shanty, and further inland. To reach it one 
had to ascend the slight elevation which 
marked the middle of the island, through a 
86 


The Water Supply 87 

dense growth of spruce bushes ; but there was 
a well defined path leading to the place ; 
therefore, even though it was dark, Ruel had 
no fear of losing his way. 

Shall I lock the door after you have gone 
out ? ” Frank asked, and his cousin replied : 

That will be the safest plan, for it is pos- 
sible Leander and his gang may be sneaking 
around here in the hope of catching us off our 
guard, although I'm thinking they’ve had 
enough of the * city dudes ’ for one night.” 

Ruel opened the door cautiously, taking 
due heed to his footsteps as he left the camp. 
Frank closed the door, then reopened it, and 
went out. He stood listening for the slightest 
sound of danger. 

Why don’t you shut the door ? ” Larry 
asked petulantly from the bunk, for he had 
lost no time in crawling into bed after Ruel 
announced to the others his plans for guard- 
ing the camp. 

It won’t do you a little bit of harm to get 
a whiff of fresh air,” Frank said with a laugh. 

If we were alone on the island we should 
certainly have everything wide open so the 
wind could blow through the shanty. It’s a 


88 The Camp on Indian Island 

shame to shut ourselves in so closely on a 
night like this.” 

But we ain^t alone, an^ you've got to keep 
everything locked snug, so what's the sense 
of moonin' 'round when other folks wanter 
go to sleep ? '' 

“ What's the need of being frightened 
almost to death just because Leander and his 
friends have tried to make matters uncom- 
fortable for us ? This is the first time I ever 
lived in a camp, and I'm going to make the 
most of it, no matter how many country 
toughs are hanging around here to make 
trouble.” 

You'll stand there talkin' till they find 
out that the door is open, an’ come in with a 
rush when there's no chance of our stoppin' 
'em.” 

“Suppose they should come? You and I 
ought to be able to hold the place. You 
have allowed that this would be a regular 
fort, and now is a good time ” 

Frank ceased speaking very suddenly, for 
at that instant he heard the sound of voices 
in the distance, and knew beyond question 
that his cousin had come across the enemy. 



“what’s the need of being frightened?” 







The Water Supply 89 

They have found out that Ruel is alone/’ 
he exclaimed. Look after the camp ! ’’ 

Even while speaking Frank had started at 
full speed up the path leading to the spring, 
and the banging of the door an instant later 
told that Larry was insuring the safety of the 
camp by shutting himself inside, regardless of 
whatever misfortunes might come to his 
companions. 

Frank made such good use of his legs that 
he came up with his cousin before the latter 
had discovered the whereabouts of the enemy, 
but was moving forward cautiously to get a 
glimpse of those who had evidently taken up 
their station near the spring. 

What’s the matter ? I thought I heard 
you talking with some one ? ” 

So you did,” and Ruel spoke as if he was 
amused rather than alarmed. Some one — I 
fancy it was the valiant Leander — just called 
out that I’m to keep my distance from the 
spring, and I count on learning what he 
means.” 

** Come any nearer an’ you won’t be long 
in findin’ out more’n will be funny I ” a voice 
from amid the bushes cried threateningly. 


90 The Camp on Indian Island 

** You dudes don’t want to think that jest 
’cause you got the best of us a spell ago, you 
can run everything around here.” 

Be careful I ” Frank whispered warningly. 
‘‘They are likely waiting for a chance to 
jump you ! ” 

“They’ve tried that twice without getting 
very much sport out of it,” Ruel said grimly. 
“ What I want to know is, why they’re stay- 
ing under cover, warning us to keep our 
distance.” 

“We don’t allow that you can come any- 
where nigh this spring I ” a threatening voice 
cried, and the city lads knew that Leander 
was the speaker. “ I s’pose you thought we’d 
have to come down on our marrow bones an’ 
beg for somethin’ to eat ; but after you’ve had 
time to get good an’ thirsty, you’ll find out 
that somebody else has got to do the beg- 
gin’.” 

“ What do you mean ? ” Ruel cried irri- 
tably. “ Why don’t you come out like men, 
and give the snap away, if you’ve got one ? ” 

“I’m allowin’ you’ll soon see that we’ve 
got a mighty good one. We’re holdin’ the 
spring, an’ not a drop of water will you get 


91 


The Water Supply 

till after cornin’ to our terms. I ain’t crazy 
enough to think that you’ll give it right 
away ; but wait till noon to-morrow, an’ then 
we’ll hear you talk.” 

What is it you want?” Frank asked, for 
now curiosity, rather than fear, was aroused. 

Half of all the grub you’ve got. It may 
be we’ll have to stay here quite a spell, an’ 
we don’t count on goin’ hungry.” 

You must be bigger idiots than I allowed, 
if you think we intended to starve you out ! ” 
Ruel cried with a laugh. It will go con- 
siderably against the grain to feed you, but 
we counted on being at least half-way decent.” 

** Givin’ in already, eh ? ” Leander cried in 
a scornful tone. “ I reckoned you’d come to 
it at last ; but didn’t s’pose you’d get on your 
knees so quick ” 

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that 
we’re on our knees ! ” and now Ruel gave 
signs of being angry. “ It hadn’t come into 
our minds that you were to be starved into 
being decent fellows ; but since you have 
taken so much trouble to prove you’re 
meaner than we reckoned on, the game shall 
be played out. Keep the spring, if that is 


92 The Camp on Indian Island 

your game, and we’ll hold the food. A fel- 
low needn’t guess very hard to decide who’ll 
give in first.” 

“ We’ve got the chance to catch fish, so I 
reckon we won’t come so very near starvin’ to 
death ; but you’ll be mighty thirsty ’twixt 
now an’ to-morrow night,” Leander cried in a 
triumphant tone, and Ruel replied with a 
hearty laugh : 

“ Are you counting on carrying the whole 
lake up here ? If you don’t, it won’t be any 
very great hardship for us to get our supply 
of water from the shore, although it may be a 
bit warm.” 

It was evident that the valiant Leander 
had, for the time being, forgotten that the 
water of the lake would serve to quench 
thirst, for neither he nor his comrades spoke 
during a full minute, and then the leader said 
threateningly : 

We’ll soon see whether you can leave that 
camp of yours ! I did allow that you might 
walk around a little, so’s not to get all 
cramped up in that shanty ; but now the first 
one who comes outside the door will get it 
quick an’ hot I ” 


93 


The Water Supply 

This is a good chance to give us the big- 
gest dose you can, for we’re outside, and we’ll 
stay till you have learned how much can be 
done. Only you are to remember this : the 
next time we have a tussle you fellows won’t 
be let off so easily. So far we’ve tried to be 
decent ; but from now on — look out I ” and 
Ruel spoke as if it would delight him to have 
the leader of the gang completely in his power 
once more. 

You talk big, but we’ll see what you can 
do,” Leander replied with a scornful laugh, 
and Frank, irritated beyond the possibility of 
holding his tongue in check, cried angrily : 

“ You’ve had two chances of seeing that 
much, and know that we might have 
pounded the life out of you, but let up be- 
cause of not being willing to hit a fellow 
when he was down ! ” 

The next time things will be different,” 
Leander replied with a laugh, evidently well 
pleased because he had succeeded in angering 
the others. 

We are showing ourselves foolish by stay- 
ing here to swap threats,” Ruel whispered, 
seizing his cousin by the arm and literally 


94 The Camp on Indian Island 

forcing him back through the bushes. 

We’d be running too great a risk to make 
any effort at gaining the spring while it is 
dark, and, besides, there can’t be so much dif- 
ference between the water from there and the 
lake.” 

I thought it wouldn’t take sich a very 
great while to make you understand that 
we’d got you under our thumb ! ” Leander 
cried jeeringly as he heard the city boys re- 
treating. “ Now don’t you go to the shore 
for water, or we’ll thump you into a reg’lar 
jelly ! ” 

Frank would have made an intemperate re- 
ply, but that Ruel pressed his hand firmly 
over the mouth of his cousin, as he whis- 
pered : 

It is giving them too much pleasure for 
us to lose our temper. Come back to the 
camp, and we’ll decide upon what’s to be 
done.” 

Are we to let them crow over us ? ” 
Frank asked angrily as soon as it was pos- 
sible for him to speak. 

“ What harm will it do ? Better that than 
take the chances of being beaten here in the 


The Water Supply 95 

dark. When next we come face to face with 
that gang we must have the best of the en- 
counter, or give up all hope of holding our 
own.’^ 

I^m beginning to fancy that they are the 
stronger, for we can^t count on Larry's raising 
a hand even in his own defense ; therefore, it 
will be three to two." 

“ Surely you don't reckon Hot Morgan in 
as one ! He hasn't shown himself much bet- 
ter than Larry ; therefore, as I figure it, we 
are about evenly matched, if we are careful 
not to give them an advantage." 

** I allowed it wouldn't take much to scare 
you dudes away ! " Leander cried from his 
hiding-place. “ When you're ready to divide 
things up 'cordin' to what I think is right, 
jest poke your head outer the camp door an» 
yell. We'll be close 'round there from this 
out I " 

The city boys made no reply, for by this 
time Frank had his temper under better con- 
trol, and a moment later they were pounding 
for admittance on the barred door of the 
shanty. 

Are you alone ? " Larry cried from the 


96 The Camp on Indian Island 

inside, but without making any effort to open 
the door. 

'' What difference does that make, since we 
want to come in ? and now it was Ruel who 
had lost his temper. A fine coward you 
are, to keep the door closed when we might 
be needing to get inside in a hurry I Unlock 
it, or Vll find out how strong the hinges may 
be.^^ 

Larry did not dare delay any longer, but 
turned the key in the lock, and immediately 
fled to the kitchen, as if fancying the enemy 
might be entering close at the heels of the 
city boys. 

Now you’re to listen to what I’ve got to 
say, Larry Duffield. If you don’t show more 
backbone I’ll call on Leander and his friends 
to take you off* our hands, and I fancy they 
wouldn’t be backward about taking advan- 
tage of the opportunity. We’re here on the 
island with three young toughs, and unless 
each of us stands up like a man against them 
we’ll be in a mighty flne mess.” 

Larry made no reply to this but, seeing the 
empty can on the floor where Ruel had 
dropped it, he asked whiningly : 


97 


The Water Supply 

Why didn^t you get the water ? 

Because Leander says we shan't have any, 
and unless you want to know what thirst is 
like you'd better try to forget you're a 
coward." 

Larry gave no attention whatsoever to the 
latter portion of this rather disagreeable re- 
mark, but insisted on knowing what had hap- 
pened while he remained locked in the camp, 
and when Frank gave him a general idea of the 
conversation with Leander, terror seize^ upon 
him once more. 

The only way is to make the best kind of 
a trade you can," he cried. Lander'll do 
jest what he threatens, an' it'll only be makin' 
things worse for us if we hold out against 
them ! " 

So far, I can't see that he has come very 
near carrying out his threats, and it may be 
that we can make matters for him as lively as 
they have been," Ruel replied with a laugh. 

'' You didn't get the water, I notice ! " Larry 
cried, as if his was the triumph because of 
that fact. 

We didn't, for there wasn't any need of a 
row in the dark. We'll quench our thirst to- 


98 The Camp on Indian Island 

night with water from the lake, for there^s 
plenty of 

'' Didn’t he tell you not to go there?” 

Yes, but we are going just the same. He 
won’t have us at such a disadvantage on the 
shore as would have been the case in the 
bushes, and we’ll let him understand how 
much we care for his threats.” 

“ Do you reckon I’m going with you ? 
Larry exclaimed. 

So far as we are concerned it will be bet- 
ter if you stay here, but in case you lock the 
door against us so that we can’t get inside 
quickly, if we have to. I’ll give over paying 
any attention to Leander, and make it my 
business to set you straight.” 

But how can ” 

We won’t have any argument over the 
matter, Larry,” Ruel continued sharply. 
“ You’ve got to turn over a new leaf in some 
way, or Frank and I will put you out-of-doors 
to prevent your doing us any serious mischief. 
And you know what will happen to you if 
Leander catches you alone.” 


CHAPTER VIII 


THE SIEGE 

Larry Duffield was so frightened because 
of what it might be possible for “ Lander’s 
gang ” to do that he gave no attention to the 
threats his companions had made. He felt 
positive the invaders could work any kind of 
mischief on which they might set their minds, 
and seemingly failed to hear what was said 
regarding his own cowardice. 

It’s no use trying to beat any sense into 
him,” Ruel said after a time. I have heard 
of people being scared out of their wits, but 
never before saw a case of the kind. Larry 
really doesn’t know what he’s about, and it’s 
only a waste of time to either coax or 
threaten.” 

I know enough not to try any funny 
business with Lander’s gang, for they jest 
about boss this town. If you fellers want the 
life thumped clean outer you, go ahead an’ run 
things same’s you’ve started ; but you can’t 
pull me into the game.” 

99 


100 


The Camp on Indian Island 

** If you believe that Leander will feel any 
better disposed toward you because of not 
bearing a hand with us, you’re greatly mis- 
taken,” Frank said laughingly. He’ll serve 
you out the same, in case he gets the chance, 
if you refuse to stand up for yourself, as if 
you did your level best to down him. Your 
safest plan is to join us at once in worsting 
him.” 

** You can’t do anything of the kind I ” 
said Larry. I’ve seen bigger fellers than 
you try that game, an’ get the worst of it.” 

Let him alone, Frank,” Ruel said impa- 
tiently. The question is whether we’d best 
start for the shore now to get water or wait 
until daylight, when we can see what those 
toughs are about ? ” 

I believe in getting what we need now, if 
for no other reason than to show the gang 
that we’re ready to meet them when we stand 
half a chance of knowing what’s going on. 
It’s bright moonlight, and they can’t sneak 
up on us without being seen.” 

Instead of replying, Ruel went into the 
kitchen, where they had left the clubs Larry 
had prepared as weapons for the first en- 


101 


The Siege 

counter, and, giving one of these to his cousin, 
said grimly : 

We’d better take both the cans in order 
to bring up water enough to last until after 
breakfast. It would be foolish for us to be 
tender in handling that gang. If they make 
an attack let them have it with the clubs, for 
those fellows need more than an ordinary 
flogging to teach them a lesson.” 

Frank took the weapon, and the second tin 
can, saying as he turned to follow his cousin, 
who was already in the open air : 

See here, Larry, if it will make you feel 
more safe, lock the door ; but take mighty 
good care you stand by to open it quickly if 
we come back in a hurry, or I’ll make it my 
especial duty to serve you out worse than 
Leander Leighton ever dreamed of doing. It 
isn’t impossible we may have to take to our 
heels, in which case there can be no loitering 
when we get back here again.” 

Lander is sure to serve you out somethin’ 
terrible,” Larry gasped. 

We’re talking about your standing ready 
to open the door when we get back, and not 
of what that bully may do. The question is 


102 


The Camp on Indian Island 

whether we can trust you to let us in without 
too many words ? 

Of course 111 let you in” Larry replied, 
nervously, fingering the key as if impatient 
for Frank to be gone. “ You can't expect 
that I'll keep the door open while they're 
prowlin' 'round." 

“ Come on, Frank I " Ruel cried, speaking 
loudly as if hoping the enemy might hear. 

I don't want to waste time over a little job 
like this, for I count on getting some sleep be- 
fore morning ! " 

Larry shut the door with a bang before the 
city boys had well started toward the shore 
and Frank laughed heartily as he heard the 
click of the key in the lock. 

He doesn't understand that a fellow could 
kick that door into splinters without trying 
very hard, but seems to think he's safe when 
the flimsy thing is fastened," he said, keeping 
close to his cousin's side for battle in case an 
attack was made. 

“ We won't pay any attention to what he 
says from this on," Ruel replied, '' though it 
is a pity he couldn’t have the chance to find 
out how that precious gang would treat him 


103 


The Siege 

if he gave himself up, as he seems inclined to 
do. Now, if they try to kick up a row we 
must give them a full dose, if possible,^^ he 
added in a low tone. It was a mistake to let 
them off easily when we had them in our 
power.^’ 

He had hardly ceased speaking when a big 
rock came hurtling through the air within a 
few inches of his head, causing both lads to stop 
suddenly, as they turned to resist an attack. 

Nothing could be seen of the enemy, but 
within the next twenty seconds four missiles 
came in the wake of the first, and but for the 
fact that it was sufficiently light to enable 
them to dodge the rocks one or both might 
have been seriously injured. 

You cowards ! Ruel cried angrily, ‘‘ why 
don^t you come out like decent fellows, instead 
of skulking like sneaks ? 

^Cause we don't have to," Leander replied 
mockingly. All we're after is to see that 
you don't get any water, an' I'm allowin' it 
won't be much of a job to do that." 

Our turn will come ! " Frank shouted in 
a rage, “ and when it does you won't get off so 
easily as before I " 


104 The Camp on Indian Island 

We ain^t worrying very much 'bout what 
may happen," Bill Dean shouted derisively, 
'cause we’ve got the upper hand of you, an' 
count on keepin' it till you knuckle down an' 
pass over half the grub." 

It would have been a case of sharing all 
we had, rather than know you were hungry," 
Ruel replied, striving hard to keep his temper 
within bounds, if you had acted like half- 
way respectable fellows ; but since you've taken 
it into your heads to threaten before waiting 
to learn what we proposed to do, we'll hold 
what we've got." 

An' we count on doin' the same ! " Leander 
cried, so keep away from the shore till you're 
ready to come to our terms." 

“ We'll do as we please, and it will be the 
worse for you if any move is made to stop us ! " 
Frank retorted. We shan't be too careful 
how we handle a gang of pirates like you, so 
don't come too near." 

Don't waste any more breath on them," 
Ruel whispered as he pulled his cousin into 
the bushes on the northerly side of the path, 
where they would be hidden from view. 
We’ll make a quick run while they can't see 


The Siege 105 

US, and have the cans filled before they know 
what we^re about.” 

Then, without waiting for a reply, he led 
the way at a run through the thick foliage, 
and in a few moments the two were on the 
shore filling the cans. 

“ Now we'll go to the camp along the path 
on the other side, where the boat was hauled 
up, and I'm out of my reckoning if we don't 
get there without being seen.” 

But that won't be enough to satisfy me,” 
Frank replied as he followed his cousin, who 
had started around the shore immediately after 
outlining the plan. ** Now is the time when 
we must show them that we won't stand any 
more nonsense.” 

That can be done after we've carried the 
water into the camp,” Ruel said without slack- 
ening pace, and not until they were in front 
of the shanty door, having made a full half- 
circuit of the island, did he halt. 

This time Larry opened the door promptly, 
asking in a voice tremulous with fear : 

How did you give 'em the slip ? I heard 
Lander tellin' what he'd do, an' counted for 
certain that they'd down you.” 


jo6 The Camp on Indian Island 

** That Leander of yours isnT more than half 
as wise as he fancies. It isn't much of a trick 
to do him up, as heTl find out in a few 
minutes." 

But surely you ain't goin' back after we've 
got enough to drink ! " Larry said imploringly. 

What's the use of kickin' up a row when 
there's no need of it ? " 

There is need," Frank replied irritably. 
“ We're going to show those fellows that we 
don't intend to stand any more nonsense, and 
it won't be a very long job." 

Frank was already in the act of opening the 
door when he ceased speaking ; but before he 
could step outside, Ruel pulled him back as 
he said in a low tone : 

“ There's no good reason why we should lose 
any advantage that has been gained. Those 
chumps think we're sulking around in the 
bushes somewhere, trying to get back the 
same way we came, and it won't be a bad 
idea to let them remain of the same mind 
until we've had a chance to get in a bit of 
work." 

Then Ruel led the way to a small win- 
dow on the opposite side of the kitchen, 


107 


The Siege 

which was screened by a reasonably heavy 
shutter, and this he hurriedly began to un- 
fasten. 

You mustn^t do that ! ” Larry cried, all 
his fears returning. 

Why notr* 

“ ^Cause them fellers can come right through 
if that is open I 

‘‘ I reckon it won’t be any very heavy job 
for you to bolt it again after we’re outside.” 
E-uel threw open the shutter and began to 
clamber through the opening. 

Frank was close upon his heels, realizing in 
an instant how great might be the advantage 
of such a course, and Larry danced about on 
his toes in an agony of terror lest Lander’s 
gang ” should come before he could close the 
window again. 

The city boys took the clubs with them, and 
when they had reached the bushes which 
grew close by this side of the shanty, Ruel 
said in a whisper : 

” If we can manage to come upon those fel- 
lows suddenly and find them among the trees 
these clubs won’t be of very much service. 
In that case, don’t try to use yours, but throw 


io8 The Camp on Indian Island 

it away and strike out with your fists, trying 
to do the most damage you can in the shortest 
time. It won't pay us to start a regular row ; 
all we want is to show the countrymen what 
can be done bn the jump." 

Go ahead ; I'll keep along close at your 
heels." 

Then Ruel led the way, moving cautiously 
through the foliage lest the noise of their ad- 
vance give the enemy warning. 

During five minutes or more nothing could 
be seen or heard of those who were surely in 
need of a severe lesson and then, without 
warning, the city boys saw before them, cower- 
ing behind the trunk of a pine tree. Hot Mor- 
gan, who evidently believed he was securely 
hidden from view. 

Without stopping to think that it would 
not be wise to hamper themselves with a 
prisoner, Frank leaped upon the back of the 
coward, at the same time deftly covering the 
fellow's mouth with his hand. 

Hot " was so terrified at thus finding him- 
self in the hands of the dudes " that he made 
no attempt to give an alarm, but lay passive 
beneath the weight of Frank's body as if hop- 


The Siege 109 

ing by such show of surrender to save himself 
from punishment. 

Now we have made a mess of it ! ” Ruel 
whispered irritably. WeVe got to hold this 
fellow, I suppose, for if we let him go he will 
give the alarm and there’ll be no chance of 
surprising the others of the gang. It’s too 
bad, for we had a good show of getting the best 
of them.” 

“ I didn’t think of anything but tackling 
him,” Frank replied apologetically. What 
shall we do about it ? ” 

Carry him back to the shanty, of course, 
though I can’t see that we’ll be very much 
better off by holding him prisoner, for he’s 
got about the same amount of courage as Larry. 
Hurry ! ” 

Frank pulled Hot to his feet with no gentle 
force, whispering as he did so : 

You’re to come with us, and kindly bear 
in mind that if you try to give an alarm to 
the remainder of the gang I’ll treat you to a 
flogging such as won’t be forgotten this season, 
and do it even if your chums are standing 
close by ! ” 

** I won’t even so much as yip,” Hot said 


110 


The Camp on Indian Island 

tremulously. You mustn’t blame me for 
what the other fellers did, ’cause I haven’t 
tried to play any funny business.” 

You haven’t because you didn’t dare to,” 
was the scornful reply, as Frank pushed the 
prisoner on in front of him. 

Hot was so thoroughly frightened that it is 
quite possible he would have gone alone to 
the camp, and the city boys with their prisoner 
made all haste through the shrubbery, arriv- 
ing at the camp just as an outcry from the 
shore told that Leander and his comrade had 
discovered that again they had been out- 
witted. 

Open the door, Larry, and be quick about 
it ! ” Ruel cried, and much to his surprise 
Larry obeyed on the instant ; but he staggered 
back in terror on seeing Hot Morgan enter in 
advance of the others. 

“ Don’t be afraid,” Frank cried ironically. 
‘^We have brought you company, and you 
two should agree remarkably well, in view of 
the fact that you are well mated, so far as 
backbone goes.” 

While one might have counted twenty Larry 
Duflield stood motionless, gazing in mingled 


Ill 


The Siege 

surprise and alarm at the prisoner, and then, 
understanding what had happened, he leaped 
upon Hot. 

Stop that I Ruel cried sternly, as he 
seized Larry by the shoulder, forcing him 
backward. “ You didn^t dare to come out 
when there was a good chance of meeting this 
fellow in a fair fight, and you shan^t lay hands 
on him now when he is a prisoner.” 


CHAPTER IX 


THE PKISONER 

Larry was exceedingly brave now that 
there was apparently no danger threatening. 
He danced around the prisoner much as a 
young rooster does around a chicken whom 
he believes he can whip. 

Meanwhile Hot Morgan, not having much 
faith in the pledges made by his captors, for 
he believed they might be as untruthful as 
himself, was in a state of abject fear, remem- 
bering, no doubt, the many times when he 
had badgered, or even ill-treated, Larry, while 
Leander and Bill stood near at hand to aid if 
it should become necessary. 

Bitter though the city boys were against 
those who had caused them so much trouble, 
neither was willing that the prisoner should 
be subjected to disagreeable treatment, even 
though not a blow had been struck, and Ruel 
said decisively : 

We’ll have a fair understanding about this 
thing, Larry, and if you should so far forget 
112 


The Prisoner 


113 

yourself as to break over the rules I am going 
to make, both Frank and I will see to it that 
you receive a worse punishment than any you 
could give Hot Morgan. He’s a prisoner, and, 
therefore, entitled to fair usage; keep your 
hands off him. Don’t venture to threaten 
what you wouldn’t dare to perform if you and 
he were alone in the camp, but behave yourself. 
We’ve got too much in the way of trouble just 
now, without wasting very many minutes on 
you, therefore, if you go contrary to orders it 
will be a blow instead of a word that will call 
you to your senses. Now then, Frank, what 
are you going to do with the beggar ? ” 

Tie him up somewhere, I suppose. It 
won’t do to let him run loose in the camp.” 

You needn’t tie me,” Hot said implor- 
ingly. I give you my word that I won’t try 
to run away.” 

After all we have heard and seen of your 
gang, we’re not inclined to put very much 
faith in your word, neither do we intend to 
spend a great deal of time watching you,” 
Ruel said sharply. You will be tied here, 
and later we’ll make up our minds as to what 
shall be done.” 


114 The Camp on Indian Island 

Hot looked first at one and then the other ; 
but did not venture to speak, and Frank set 
about looking for something which would 
serve in the place of regular fetters. 

After much searching he succeeded in find- 
ing a short length of rope, which had been 
used to secure some of the baggage, and a 
leather belt. 

With the belt Horace Morgan^s arms were 
fastened close by his side just above the elbows, 
and attached to this, at the prisoner’s back, was 
one end of the rope, the other being made fast to 
the upright which formed the end of the bunks. 

This method of fettering was such that the 
prisoner could sit on the fioor, and turn half 
around in either direction, but without being 
able to free himself. 

When all this had been done, and Larry 
forced to retire to his bunk, Ruel said to his 
cousin : 

There is no reason why we shouldn’t get 
some sleep, and I am going to turn in.” 

What ! ” Larry cried in mingled surprise 
and anger. ‘‘Are you goin’ to sleep when 
there’s no tollin’ but that Lander an’ Bill 
will come here any minute ? ” 


The Prisoner 


115 


That is what we are going to do/^ Ruel 
replied with a laugh, and Frank, as if to prove 
his cousin^s statement, clambered into the 
bunk, but without removing very much of his 
clothing. 

“But s’pose them fellers come? Larry con- 
tinued. 

“ Well, suppose they do ? ” 

“ Somebody has got to stay awake so^s to see 
to things, else they might jump right in on 
us.’^ 

“ You shall attend to that portion of the 
business, Larry, Ruel replied, as he in turn 
lay down to sleep. “ I can’t see that you 
have done very much to-day, either in the way 
of working, or guarding against your friend 
Leander and his gang, so there’s no reason 
why you shouldn’t stand watch.” 

“ But I can’t do it alone ! ” 

“ You surely won’t have any one to help 
you, for Frank and I count on getting a little 
rest before morning.” 

“ An’ them fellers will be certain to come 
here now you’ve captured Hot ! ” 

“ Very well, if they do you can bristle up in 
the same fashion as when we brought the 


ii6 The Camp on Indian Island 

prisoner in, and that ought to frighten them,^' 
Frank replied with a sleepy laugh, and then 
refused to make any reply to Larry^s plead- 
ings and questioning. 

Whether or not Larry stood watch on that 
night, neither of the city boys could have 
told. Confident that Leander and Bill would 
not make any very desperate attack upon the 
shanty, they slept peacefully until the morn- 
ing sun, streaming in through the uncurtained 
window, awakened them. 

Larry was slumbering noisily. The pris- 
oner, seated on the floor with his back against 
the bunks, was apparently unconscious of his 
surroundings, and no sound from the out- 
side betokened the whereabouts of the 
enemy. 

In a few seconds all the inmates of the 
camp were awake, and, save in the case of the 
prisoner, astir. 

Larry was called upon to act as cook, ac- 
cording to the agreement made before leaving 
the boarding-house, and he set about his duties 
by making cofiee. Now that the sun had 
risen he presented a very good imitation of a 
fairly brave boy, and spoke of what he in- 


The Prisoner 


117 


tended to do by way of making reprisals in 
case Leander and Bill Dean became too 
troublesome. Indeed, he carried his alleged 
bravery so far as to insist that while he re- 
mained in camp Hot Morgan should not be 
given a single mouthful of food, and it was 
upon this point that he and the city boys had 
a heated discussion, which was ended by Ruehs 
saying firmly : 

** There^s no sense in your swaggering 
around in this fashion, Larry, after showing 
yourself such a coward yesterday. We told 
you then, and meant it, that Frank and I 
counted on attending to the business our- 
selves, and so we shall. The prisoner is to 
have his fair proportion of food, and the less 
you say about it just now the better. 

Larry did not reply, save by a sulky 
demeanor which was increased very percep- 
tibly when Frank, who had partaken of no 
food himself, gave to Hot Morgan what was a 
most generous allowance, considering the fact 
that it might be several days before the larder 
was replenished. 

The city boys did not waste any time over 
the meal ; they had no plan in mind, but yet 


ii8 The Camp on Indian Island 

it seemed necessary some move be made, and 
when they had swallowed the last mouthful 
of the not very appetizing coffee, Ruel said to 
his cousin : 

We’ll go out and see what Leander and his 
chum are doing.” 

‘‘ Do you think it is safe to leave the pris- 
oner here, now that Larry has grown so blood- 
thirsty ? ” 

It is safe enough, unless Larry wants to try 
conclusions with us, as he surely will if he 
meddles in any way with young Morgan. As 
I said last night, we shan’t have any talk 
with him after having seen of how little 
value he can be in a time like this ; but in 
case he attempts to interfere with us in any 
way, or does that which we have said must 
not be done, I shall serve him out as I would 
Leander, for then he will have proven him- 
self an enemy.” 

Having said this, Ruel took from his be- 
longings a towel and cake of toilet soap, 
Frank following his example, and saying 
laughingly to Larry : 

“ If your friend Leander calls, you can say 
that Ruel and I have gone down to the shore 


The Prisoner 


119 

to make a second toilet, and, if agreeable, you 
may keep him here until we get back.’’ 

But for the fact that he was indulging in a 
fit of the sulks, Larry would have made some 
protest against their venturing out while the 
enemy might be near at hand. As it was, 
however, he held his peace, and the two lads 
stepped into the open air with as little 
caution regarding their safety as if the island 
had no other occupants than themselves. 

They were on the alert, however, despite 
this seeming carelessness, but neither be- 
lieved there was any probability Larry and 
his comrade would make an attack in open 
day, when they could be seen, save while in 
the denser underbrush, a long distance away. 

The two lads walked slowly, searching 
with their eyes on every side for some signs 
of the enemy ; but none were to be seen even 
after they had arrived at the shore, and this 
fact caused them no little uneasiness of mind, 
for it was only reasonable to suppose that the 
young roughs, who were so eager a few hours 
previous to make an attack, would be on the 
watch for their appearance as soon as day 
dawned. 


120 


The Camp on Indian Island 

Do you suppose they were frightened on 
finding that we had taken Hot Morgan 
prisoner?’^ Frank asked, and Ruel replied 
with a laugh : 

It is in my mind that we did the one 
thing which pleased them, when we took 
that coward in charge. He could be of no 
assistance in carrying out their plans, and 
might have been considerably in the way if 
we had not been so foolish as to capture the 
young scoundrel. Now we must feed him, 
and, what is more, have no little trouble in 
preventing Larry from paying off old scores 
at Morgan^s expense.’’ 

But what has become of Leander and 
Bill ? ” Frank asked irritably, not disposed to 
talk about the prisoner, for whose taking he 
was responsible, just then. 

Oh, they’re around here somewhere, 
keeping us in sight while they remain hid- 
den,” RuM said carelessly. Most likely 
they’ll grow bolder as night comes, and 
perhaps this evening we shall have some- 
thing of a mix-up.” 

Then the boys washed their faces and 
hands, not daring to take a full bath because 


The Prisoner 


121 


of the possibility that the enemy might come, 
and when they were thus refreshed, Frank, 
whose mind was ill at ease regarding the 
whereabouts of Leander and Bill, proposed 
that they make a complete circuit of the 
island. 

There is no reason why we should hurry 
back to the camp for the sake of sitting there 
with Larry and young Morgan, and I’m eager 
to learn what Leander is doing, for it seems 
as if he would have shown himself before this 
unless there’s something afoot.” 

don’t understand what he could do, 
except to make an attack upon us; but if 
your curiosity is excited we’ll have a look 
around.” 

The two set off along the shore, going over 
the same route as that taken the night 
previous when they had so successfully 
eluded Leander and Bill, and nothing un- 
usual was seen until they arrived within a 
few hundred yards of the place from which 
the canoe had been stolen. 

There, while they were yet screened from 
view by the bushes, it was possible to hear 
the hum of voices, and Ruel, understanding 


122 


The Camp on Indian Island 

that Leander and Bill must be near at hand, 
motioned for Frank to follow cautiously as he 
crept slowly through the underbrush until it 
was possible to have a view of shore. 

During the full half minute the city boys 
gazed in bewilderment at the scene before 
them. Leander and Bill were engaged in 
dragging dead trees and half-decayed logs 
from the thicket, and working so ener- 
getically as to make it evident that they were 
occupied with some serious task ; but what it 
might be, the lads could not understand for 
several seconds. 

Then Ruel whispered to his cousin : 

‘‘They are building a raft, and count on 
paddling across the lake, which is exactly 
what we should have done.^^ 

“ But those rotten logs will sink, and they 
can^t find fallen trees enough to make any 
kind of a raft,’’ Frank replied, and added an 
instant later as a happy thought occurred to 
him, “ We’ve got a good chance to go into the 
business of raft building, for we have an ax, 
even though it isn’t so very sharp. With it 
we should be able to hew timber enough in a 
couple of days.” 


The Prisoner 


123 


The question is whether we shall let them 
keep on with their work ? ’’ Ruel said. “ I 
don’t know what reason we have for keeping 
them here, and yet it goes against the grain 
to let them slip off after all that has been 
done, leaving us prisoners.” 

We can’t hope to build a raft while they 
are here, so the sooner they are away the 
better, as I look at it,” Frank replied, and 
this view of the situation struck Ruel favor- 
ably. 

“ Of course they don’t suspect we know 
anything about what is going on, and there is 
no reason for showing ourselves. Let’s hang 
on here until we are tired of watching, and 
then sneak back to see how Larry and the 
prisoner are getting along.” 


CHAPTER X 


THE RAID 

Leander and Bill had not made much 
progress in the work of raft building when 
the city boys got the first inkling of what 
they were about. 

Three half-decayed tree trunks were afloat 
within five or six feet of the shore, moored 
by several lengths of creeping vines, and 
there could be no question but that these 
would sink within the next twenty-four 
hours, for by that time they would have 
absorbed sufficient water to send them to the 
bottom like so many pieces of iron. 

They must work mighty fast if they count 
on going very far on a raft built of that ma- 
terial,” Ruel whispered to his cousin. Even 
though it might be of great advantage, if the 
country boys could make their escape, it 
would have pleased him right well to see the 
plan fail. Those logs won^t float but a few 
hours, and I doubt if they can get together 
enough of such stuff to keep them on the sur- 
124 


The Raid 


‘25 

face half-way from here over to the other 
shore/ ^ 

Do you suppose they’ll be so foolish as to 
make the venture ? ” Frank asked in surprise, 
as he noted the fact that already were the 
spongy logs settling very decidedly in the 
water. 

That’s what we’ll soon find out. They 
must work mighty fast in order to get the 
tree trunks that may be needed into the lake 
before the first go to the bottom.” 

Having thus come to understand that the 
scheme must be a failure or prove a disaster 
in case the raft could be put together quickly 
enough, the city boys became so deeply inter- 
ested in the proceedings as to forget, for the 
time being, Larry and the prisoner. 

Leander and Bill worked industriously 
dragging logs out from amid the underbrush 
during the next five minutes, and then the 
former said something to his comrade in a 
tone so low that it was impossible for the lis- 
teners to catch the meaning. 

On the instant the two ceased their fatigu- 
ing labor to plunge amid the underbrush in a 
direction opposite to where the city boys were 


126 The Camp on Indian Island 

screened from view, and as they disappeared 
Frank asked in a tone of perplexity : 

Now what do you suppose has sent them 
off in such a hurry ? 

Perhaps Leander suddenly remembered 
where there was better timber, and they have 
gone for it,’^ Ruel replied carelessly. We 
haven^t anything better to do, so there’s no 
reason why we shouldn’t wait here till we 
know what they are about.” 

Frank had no desire to return to the camp, 
and he was curious to see how the country 
boys succeeded in their raft building, there- 
fore he settled down on the moss in a comfort- 
able position, well content to remain in hiding 
for so long a time as should please his cousin. 

Five, ten minutes passed, and the others 
had not returned. No sound came from the 
thicket to betoken their whereabouts, and 
Ruel said in a cautious tone, as he stood erect 
the better to peer down at the logs Leander 
and Bill had already launched : 

“ Perhaps they have gone somewhere else 
to build a raft. I’m not certain we are wise 
to stay here so long.” 

There’s nothing to prevent our following 


The Raid 


127 


them. They are so puffed up with the idea 
of giving us the slip that we can keep at their 
heels without much fear of being discovered, 
so long as we stay out of sight. 

“ Come on, then ; we’ll do our best not to 
make a noise, and move slowly.” 

Then Ruel made his way along the shore 
with the utmost caution, taking the same 
course as that pursued by Leander and Bill 
when they set off so suddenly, with Frank 
following closely at his heels, as a matter of 
course. 

During ten minutes or more they continued 
the advance without speaking, and making 
but little noise while moving through the 
foliage ; but nothing had been seen or heard 
of the enemy. 

** Look here, we have surely circled half- 
way around the island,” Ruel said, as he 
halted and wiped the perspiration from his 
face. They must have gone straight across, 
and we had better do the same thing, for it 
isn’t anything like fun to creep through these 
bushes, while I’m sure it is hot enough to roast 
an ox.” 

But they surely started around the shore,” 


128 The Camp on Indian Island 

Frank replied with an air of perplexity. If 
they had counted on going straight across, it 
would have been more simple to follow the 
path.^^ 

Well, they are not on this side of the island 
near the shore. 

I^m certain they wouldn^t have given up 
the idea of building a raft so soon, therefore 
we are sure to come upon them by going 
ahead. 

Ruel set off once more, and not another 
word was spoken until the lads had arrived at 
the place where the raft building had been 
begun. 

They must have begun to understand that 
these rotten logs wouldn’t float, and gone 
back to their camping place, wherever that 
may be,” and Frank gazed at the half-decayed 
tree trunks, which by this time were nearly 
submerged, as if believing that through them 
he might learn why the enemy had, without 
apparent cause, given over their plan. 

At that instant a very disagreeable thought 
came into RueFs mind, and he cried in a tone 
of dismay : 

^‘Say, aren’t we dummies? The chances 


The Raid 


129 

are that those fellows got a glimpse of us, and 
took advantage of the opportunity to pay a 
visit to the camp ! If that is the case wehe 
the ones who stand a show of being hungry 
before any person comes to take us off ! 

This suggestion was sufficient to alarm 
Frank. Now he remembered that Leander 
had spoken in a cautious tone to Bill Dean, 
which would not have been necessary had 
they believed themselves alone on that part of 
the island. 

Come on ! he said, sharply. YouVe 
guessed the whole business, and while we were 
creeping through the bushes, nearly roasted 
to death, those fellows may have turned the 
camp inside out, for Larry is such a coward 
that he^d never dare to raise a hand in his 
own defense. Come on ! 

There^s no need of being in such a won- 
derful hurry,^^ Ruel replied with irritating 
calmness. What mischief they wanted to 
do has already been done, for we have given 
them a full hour in which to do it.^^ 

Then Ruel led the way up the path, Frank 
reproaching himself sorely because of stu- 
pidity. 


130 The Camp on Indian Island 

We might have known that something 
was in the wind when they stopped talking 
sufficiently loud for us to hear I ” he cried, 
angrily. I had begun to think that we were 
showing ourselves more than a match for the 
country toughs ; but even Larry couldn’t have 
proven himself a bigger idiot ! ” 

‘‘ There’s no good in scolding,” Ruel said 
with a laugh. I’m ready to admit that 
we’re only about a quarter part as keen as 
boys should be ; but that won’t mend matters 
a little bit.” 

Then, almost unconsciously, Ruel quick- 
ened his steps until it was an open question 
whether he walked or ran, and in a few 
moments the two had come within view of the 
shanty. 

That Leander and Bill had visited the place 
there could be no question, for the door was 
standing open, which would not have been 
the case if Larry had still been in charge, and 
Frank said with a laugh that had in it very 
little of mirth : 

It is almost worth the price we shall have 
to pay to know that our brave Larry is pris- 
oner to those of whom he stood in such fear. 


The Raid 


»3i 

Now he will come to learn of how much ad- 
vantage it was to refrain from doing Leander's 
gang any harm. I’m thinking Hot Morgan 
has already given him a taste of what he 
would have suffered ” 

Frank ceased speaking very suddenly. He 
had come so near the open door as to have a 
full view of the interior, and there, tied side 
by side with Hot Morgan to the bunks, was 
Larry Dufiield. 

Neither he nor Hot made any outcry, for 
they had been gagged in the most approved 
dime-novel fashion, with the sleeves of their 
own coats, and two more disconsolate-looking 
lads it would be hard to find in a day’s jour- 
ney. 

** What’s been going on here? ” Ruel asked 
sharply, as he stood in front of the prisoners, 
looking around at the evidences of the visit as 
displayed in the kitchen. 

As a matter of course Larry made no reply, 
because of the gag in his mouth ; but when 
Frank had removed it, the boy began to use 
his tongue very vigorously. 

“ What right had you to go off an’ leave me 
here alone? ” he cried in a fury of rage. ^‘It 


132 The Camp on Indian Island 

was a mighty mean thing to do, ’cause you 
mighter known them villains would come !” 

You had the door shut and bolted within 
two seconds after we left,” Frank replied, 
striving hard, but unsuccessfully, to repress 
his mirth, for surely Larry presented a most 
comical figure as he strained at his fetters of 
rope. 

“ Of course the door was bolted,” Larry 
shrieked ; “ but you’d made sich a row when 
I didn’t open it quick enough, that I never 
stopped to find out whether it was you or 
Lander who was knockin’.” 

Then you were foolish enough to open the 
shanty when they came ? ” Ruel asked sharply. 

After being so afraid of the crowd that you 
didn’t dare step outside, you unlocked the 
door without knowing who might come in ? ” 
How did I know it was that gang ? ” 
And now, instead of storming, Larry began to 
whine. “ You said I mustn’t wait when you 
wanted to get in, an’ I was only carryin’ out 
orders. They knocked same’s you fellers had 
done, an’ of course I thought it was all right, 
’cause you’d jest about had time to go to the 
shore an’ come back.” 


The Raid 


*33 


“ Why didn’t they take this fellow with 
them ? ” Frank asked as he pulled the coat 
sleeve from Hot Morgan’s mouth. 

They said he wasn’t any use on account 
of bein’ afraid of his own shadder.” 

So they left him to pair up with you. 
Your friend Leander isn’t quite so big an idiot 
as he looks,” Ruel said with a hearty laugh. 

I see they have overhauled the camp pretty 
thoroughly.” 

They’ve carried off every blessed thing we 
had, an’ now it’s a case of starvin’, ’cause Elish 
won’t come over here in a week I ” and again 
Larry gave way to anger. “ What’re you 
goin’ to do now we haven’t got the least little 
thing to eat? ” 

Go hungry, I reckon, unless you and 
Morgan can muster courage enough to help 
us tackle the thieves,” Ruel said thoughtfully. 
** If both of you together had the spunk of one 
boy, we could soon have those fellows where 
they belong. Here are we — four of us — whin- 
ing because two have cleaned out the pantry, 
when, as a matter of course, we should be 
jumping in on them before they’ve had time 
to get a hearty meal.” 


134 The Camp on Indian Island 

“ How do you know I haven’t got any 
spunk ? Larry asked with a faint imitation 
of bravery, and Frank replied with a hearty 
laugh : 

“ If you have, it has been concealed remark- 
ably well since weVe had the pleasure of your 
acquaintance. Do you dare go with us in 
chase of Leander ? ” 

Of course I do ; but if it should come to a 
fight he could wipe the earth up with me,^^ 
and once more Larry began to whine. 

** Certainly he can, if you think so,” Ruel 
said angrily. We could soon put those fel- 
lows in a hole if you would do ever so little 
toward lending a hand.” 

Give me half a chance, an^ see what I can 
do ! ” Hot Morgan said, speaking for the first 
time since Ruel and Frank had entered. I’ll 
show Lander an’ Bill what it means to play 
sich a trick on me after we’d agreed to stick 
together ! ” 

Ruel looked up quickly as if about to make 
immediate reply, and then, evidently chang- 
ing his mind, he went into the kitchen, say- 
ing to Frank as he did so : 

Let’s find out what those fellows took 


The Raid 


135 

away, before we decide on anything. There's 
plenty of time in which to say what shall be 
done, for it's certain they won't make much 
of a fist at raft building." 

^‘They've taken every blessed thing we 
had ! " Larry cried as he followed the city 
boys into the kitchen. What's more, the 
villains lugged off mother's baskets, an' I'll 
catch it hot when we get back. Oh, dear ! oh, 
dear I Shall we ever see home again, or must 
we starve to death right here ? " 

Stop that howling ! " Frank said angrily. 

Did Leander take anything besides the 
food ? " 

I saw Bill Dean luggin' off the ax." 

Ruel wheeled about suddenly, and for the 
first time a look of dismay overspread his 
face. 

** Then it's good-bye to our chances for 
building a raft I I'd been thinking we had a 
show of putting those fellows in a hole ; but it 
seems they have done their work in good 
shape. Now we've got to fight our way 
through, or else settle down to being hungry." 

“ I know where them fellers counted on 
sleepin', an' probably they've taken to the same 


136 The Camp on Indian Island 

place all the stuff that was took away from 
here/^ Hot Morgan said as he joined his 
captors in the kitchen, for now since his own 
party had cast him off, so to speak, there was 
no longer any pretense of considering him a 
prisoner. 

I reckon we wouldn^t have to go very far 
from the spring in order to find them,’^ Ruel 
said carelessly. This island isn’t so large 
that they can get any very long distance away, 
and when we are ready it won’t be difficult to 
come up with them. The first question is 
whether we’re in shape for a pitched battle, be- 
cause it isn’t reasonable to suppose those fel- 
lows will give up what has been stolen with- 
out making an attempt to hold it ! ” 

“ Of course we are in shape for a battle ! ” 
Frank cried sharply. “ When there’s nothing 
else that can be done, it doesn’t take long to 
decide ! ” 

Larry had nothing to say. It was evident 
that even the fact of belonging to a party 
which outnumbered the enemy two to one 
did not serve to increase his courage, and Ruel 
whispered to his cousin : 

Come outside where we can talk the mat- 


The Raid 


137 


ter over alone. We can^t count on Larry for 
the least little bit of help, for he’s growing 
white around the mouth with just thinking of 
what may happen, and the important question 
is as to whether Hot Morgan will be of any 
assistance? ” 

If he isn’t, we’ll run the whole business 
ourselves,” Frank said sharply. You and I 
don’t count on sitting down and sucking our 
thumbs when there are only two against us I ” 

Surely we don’t ; but it won’t pay to rush 
into a fight without any plan whatsoever. 
Sit down under this tree where we can keep 
an eye out for trouble, either from Leander or 
our own two cowards, and we’ll talk it over.” 


CHAPTER XI 


A SLIGHT ADVANTAGE 

It did not please Larry Duffield to have 
the city boys hold a conference in which he 
was not allowed to take part, and as soon as 
Ruel and Frank had seated themselves under 
a large tree where they could have the camp, 
as well as the path leading to it from the shore, 
well in view, Larry came out of the shanty 
looking thoroughly displeased. 

^‘See here, whaPre you two fellers upto?^' 
he demanded angrily. “You don^t wanter 
be playin^ any funny tricks on me, or you^ll 
get yourselves inter a snarl.^^ 

“What do you mean?^^ Ruel asked in 
amazement, while Frank gazed at the coun- 
try lad as if believing he had suddenly lost his 
senses. 

“ I mean jest what I say,’^ and now Larry 
spoke boldly, as he advanced toward the lads 
whom he had been employed to “ look after,^^ 
with a certain swagger which did not compare 
well with his previous display of cowardice. 

138 


»39 


A Slight Advantage 

“ You’re hatchin’ up some kind of a plan to 
give me the slip, that’s what you’re doin’, an’ 
I won’t stand any sich nonsense ! ” 

“ What in the name of goodness have you 
got in your head now ? ” Ruel asked, as soon 
as he had recovered from his astonishment 
sufficiently to speak. 

“ Look here,” and now Larry had worked 
himself into such a fever of suspicion as to be 
brave enough to say that which was in his 
mind. You’ve called me all kinds of an 
idiot ever since Lander’s gang stole our canoe ; 
but I ain’t quite so silly as not to know 
somethin’ is up when you come way out here 
to talk ! . What have you got to say that I 
mustn’t know ? ” 

“ Oh, you make me tired ! ” Frank cried 
with a laugh, which betokened anger rather 
than mirth. ** Since you haven’t backbone 
enough to raise a hand in your own defense, 
we’d be foolish to let you hear our plans ; but 
don’t get the ridiculous idea that we’re trying 
to play any trick on you. Whatever we do is 
for your good, as well as our own.” 

Then why don’t you want me to hear 
what you’re talkin’ about ? ” 


140 The Camp on Indian Island 

** Because, in the first place it wouldn^t be 
of any advantage, in view of the fact that 
you^re so afraid of Leander as not to trust 
yourself outside the shanty, and then again, if 
he should happen to get hold of you while we 
were away, it would be an easy matter for him 
to frighten you into telling everything we 
proposed to do/^ 

You can set it down for a fact,^^ Ruel 
added, that all we want just now is to leave 
this island, and when we go you’ll be with us 
— that is, if you don’t get so reckless as to let 
Leander or Bill Dean take you prisoner.” 

This suggestion, thoughtlessly though it 
had been spoken, took from Larry all his as- 
sumption of bravery, and he looked furtively 
at the open door of the shanty, as if medi- 
tating an immediate retreat. 

Where’s Hot Morgan ? ” Frank asked. 

“ Lyin’ down in one of the bunks. It 
seems like he was willin’ to be a prisoner.” 

I guess that’s so. The other fellows are 
going to be in considerable trouble when we 
get on the mainland again, for it’s a certain 
thing that some one will come soon to find 
out how we are getting along,” Ruel said, 


A Slight Advantage 141 

purposely raising his voice sufficiently for the 
prisoner to hear the words. Frank and I 
are trying to decide what it's wisest to do, and 
since you don't want to have any hand in 
paying Leander off for the mischief he has 
done, the best thing you can do is to go into 
the camp." 

You wouldn't be mean enough to go off 
an' leave me here alone with that gang ? " 
Larry asked imploringly. 

Of course we wouldn't. We claim to be 
somewhere near square, and even though you 
haven't done what you ought, since this 
trouble began, we wouldn't sneak away from 
you, if we had the chance. Go into the camp 
with Morgan, and whatever we may succeed 
in accomplishing will be to the advantage of 
all, even including the prisoner." 

Larry stood gazing intently at Ruel while 
one might have counted ten, as if trying to 
assure himself the city lad had spoken no 
more than the truth, and then did as he was 
bidden. 

When he was inside the camp, with the 
door closed, and probably locked, Ruel said 
with an air of decision : 


142 The Camp on Indian Island 

We’re not going to spend our time run- 
ning after these fellows, if my advice is 
taken.” 

But we mustn’t sit here sucking our 
thumbs, for that’s about all we can do now 
that they have got the ax ” 

And that we are bound to get from them 
in some way. It isn’t very likely that 
there’ll be much of the cooked food left by 
this time to-morrow, and instead of having a 
regular battle for what little they may have 
of that, let us put our wits to the task of get- 
ting the ax.” 

^‘Why that instead of the food?” Frank 
asked in surprise. 

Because it is of more value. We can get 
along for one day without anything to eat, 
and not stand much chance of starving to 
death. If we can gain possession of the ax it 
won’t be any great task to put together such 
a raft as will serve to fish from. We’ve got 
lines and hooks ; I noticed that they didn’t 
carry off the salt pork, nor the bag of pota- 
toes. Therefore with a few fish, we should be 
able to live till Elish comes, and at the same 
time get a little enjoyment out of it all.” 


143 


A Slight Advantage 

I don’t like the idea of allowing those fel- 
lows to carry off the provisions, without hav- 
ing to answer for it in some way.” 

‘‘ We’ll get the ax first, if that is possible, 
and then, if you’re aching to give them a les- 
son, we’ll set about it, in case we get the 
chance.” 

‘‘ Have your own way about it,” Frank re- 
plied, rising to his feet as if believing the con- 
ference was at an end. I’ll do whatever you 
say, until there appears to be a show for get- 
ting even, and then you shall give me the 
chance to run matters.” 

‘‘ That’s a bargain, and now we’ll creep up 
near the spring, for I reckon that’s where 
we’ll find Leander and Bill, unless they have 
set about raft building again.” 

Then Ruel went to the window of the camp, 
where he said, speaking loudly, that the occu- 
pants might have no necessity for opening the 
door : 

Frank and I are going to find out what 
those fellows are about. Will you come with 
us, or do you prefer to stay here ? ” 

Somebody’s got to look after the camp, an’ 
we may as well do that part of the work,” 


144 The Camp on Indian Island 

Larry Duffield replied quickly, and in rather 
a shaky voice, causing Ruel to laugh heartily 
as he rejoined his cousin. 

Then the city boys walked down the path 
twenty or thirty yards, after which Ruel led 
the way among the foliage in the direction of 
the spring, and they were yet fifty feet or 
more from their destination, when it was pos- 
sible to hear the hum of voices. 

“ They are trying to find out how much 
can be eaten, with no thought that by morn- 
ing they will be hungry again, Frank 
whispered, and his cousin replied in a tone of 
caution : 

We’ll creep up till it’s possible to hear 
what they are saying, but you are to remem- 
ber that we don’t count on having any row, 
no matter how good a chance they give us. 
We’re after the ax, and we’ll get it, too.” 

To this Frank made no reply, but followed 
cautiously in his cousin’s footsteps until, by 
making their way through the thickest of the 
shrubbery, the two arrived at a point where it 
was possible to see the enemy. 

Leander and Bill were seated on a log near 
the spring, with both of Mrs. Duffield’s bas- 


A Slight Advantage 145 

kets in front of them, and it could plainly be 
seen that by this time they were eating 
simply in order to devour the store of provi- 
sions, for it was evident their hunger had 
long since been satisfied. 

Near by, leaning against a tree, was the ax 
which the city boys coveted. It was some 
little distance from the lads who had stolen 
it, on the opposite side of the spring, and, 
after eyeing it greedily a few seconds, Ruel 
whispered : 

I^m going to creep around on that side 
and get the ax. It^s likely they will see me 
after I have my hands on it, but by that time 
they won^t be able to take it from me if you 
jump when they make the first move.^’ 

** Don^t be afraid but that 111 do my 
share, Frank replied, “ and I^m hoping 
theyll make a fight for it, because it would 
do me solid good to hurt those fellows.^^ 

“ Better not set your heart on anything of 
that kind. We can hurt them most by get- 
ting back what has been stolen, for in the 
morning they wonl have any the best of us, 
5f they keep on eating.’^ 

Then, without waiting for a reply, Ruel left 


146 The Camp on Indian Island 

his cousin as he crept with infinite care 
through the foliage, moving slowly lest even 
the rustling of a leaf should betray his pur- 
pose. 

Them city fellers wonT believe they Ve so 
awful smart when they find out that we’ve 
got all the grub,” Leander said in a tone of 
triumph, but speaking indistinctly because of 
the fulness of his mouth, and Bill Dean added 
with a laugh : 

” I wonder if they’re still down there on the 
shore waitin’ for us to come back ? That was 
a mighty cute trick of yours to sneak back to 
the camp after you happened to see ’em hidin’ 
in the bushes. Say, wasn’t Larry scared most 
inter fits ? ” 

That’s what he was, an’ it did me good to 
see him, but jest the same. Bill, if we don’t get 
away from here before Elish comes over in 
that power boat of hisn, we stand a good show 
of bein’ frightened worse’n Larry was. Don’t 
think I’m gettin’ weak in the knees on ac- 
count of the way we’ve warmed things for the 
city fellers ; but it’s dead sure we’re goin’ to 
catch it hot an’ strong if we can’t leave the 
island mighty quick.” 


A Slight Advantage 147 

** I thought we was countin^ on buildin' a 
raft,” Bill said carelessly. Now we've got 
an ax it won’t be sich a terrible hard job, 
’cause all we’re needin’ is logs enough to keep 
our heads on top of the water.” 

“ But I’m thinkin’ them city fellers will do 
all they can to stop us. It ain’t likely they’re 
goin’ to see us sail off without kickin’ up the 
worst kind of a row, an’ how are we goin’ to 
build the littlest kind of a raft if they’re 
makin’ things hot ? ” 

** We’ll do it after they’ve gone to bed to- 
night, an’ by mornin’ we’ll be home. I’m 
kinder thinkin’ we’re goin’ to get quite a dose 
from our folks for stayin’ away so long ; but 
what ” 

Bill ceased speaking very suddenly and 
sprang to his feet, for at the moment he was 
looking in the direction of the ax, and saw 
Ruel step boldly out from amid the underbrush 
as he seized the tool, raising it threateningly 
above his head. 

At the same instant a rustling of the 
foliage in the opposite direction caused the 
country boys to wheel suddenly around, 
and there stood Frank, looking as if it would 


148 The Camp on Indian Island 

please him right well to come to closer 
quarters. 

“What're you fellers up to?” Leander 
yelled, starting as if to rush upon Ruel, but 
evidently thinking better of it, for already had 
he learned that these lads from the city could 
defend themselves and a little more. 

We came after this ax that you took,” 
Ruel replied quietly as he advanced toward 
his cousin, much as though it made no dijffer- 
ence to him what the country boys might at- 
tempt to do. “ As I look at it, youVe got to 
the end of your rope, so far as making mis- 
chief is concerned, and now the time of reck- 
oning is bound to come. You’ve stuffed your- 
selves with the food until I don’t fancy there 
is much left, and by morning you’ll be hungry 
again.” 

What about you ? ” Bill cried mockingly, 
edging a trifle nearer his leader as if believing 
it necessary that the two stand very close to- 
gether. 

‘‘We shall get along all right on fried pork 
and potatoes, I fancy. If you fellows had 
been wise, you’d taken all the stores with 
you.” 


149 


A Slight Advantage 

Leander and Bill looked at each other in 
dismay as Ruel ceased speaking, and then Bill 
said jeeringly : 

Strikes me I wouldn^t crow, if I^d been 
done up same’s you two have. How long did 
you stay on the shore waitin’ for us to come 
back?” 

“ We’re willing to admit that you did fool 
us that time,” Frank replied in a tone of good 
nature; but, as Ruel says, you have come to 
an end of your fun, and from now out you can 
figure out how you’re going to settle the score 
that has been run up, for you’ll be called to 
an accounting mighty soon after our parents 
know what you’ve done.” 

That’ll be all right,” Leander said loftily. 

We haven’t got through with you chumps 
yet, an’ when we have it’ll be a case of our 
leavin’ the island, for we don’t have to stay 
here a great while after we’ve finished you.” 

You were singing a different tune when 
Ruel took up the ax, for I heard all that was 
said. From this out it shall be our business 
to do up in a thorough fashion any one who 
interferes with us.” 

By this time Ruel had walked directly in 


150 The Camp on Indian Island 

front of the country boys to where his cousin 
was standing, and now he said : 

“ There's no reason why we should swap 
more words with you. It is as Frank says : 
‘ Some one will get hurt badly if you don't 
keep your distance.' " 

Then, before either of the country lads could 
reply, Ruel plunged into the bushes, going in 
the direction of the path, and, as a matter of 
course, Frank followed close at his heels ; but 
Leander shouted in derision : 

It's too bloomin' bad that you fellows have 
got to hurt somebody, ain't it? P'rhaps 
you've got a private horspitle somewhere 
handy, so's them you hurt can be took care of 
till they die ! " 

Don't answer," Ruel said as Frank halted 
angrily. We did what we came to do, and 
what's more, let them see what we were about. 
Now, if we're wise, we can keep the upper 
hand of those fellows, and at the same time 
get some fun out of camping. We'll build a 
raft so Larry can go out fishing, while we'll 
stand close by on the shore to keep the coun- 
trymen at a distance. Even though we don't 
get any fish, we can keep ourselves alive on 


A Slight Advantage 151 

fried pork and roasted potatoes, and when 
they give out, well knock together something 
that will carry one of us over to the other 
shore.” 


CHAPTER XII 


WORKING AND WATCHING 

While the city boys were walking toward 
the camp Ruel had made up his mind exactly 
what should be done, and as soon as possible 
he set about it. 

On arriving at the shanty it was necessary 
to show themselves at the window before Larry 
Duffield would open the door. He had been 
fooled once, to his cost, and had no idea of 
being so careless again. 

Can^t you tell by our voices who it is ? 
Frank asked impatiently, as he pounded 
vigorously on the door while Ruel stood 
looking in at the window. 

** 1 don^t count on givin^ Lander^s gang the 
chance to jump in on me same's they did 
before," Larry replied grimly. “ Where'd you 
get that ax ? " he added in surprise as Ruel 
entered. 

" Went up to the spring and took it," Ruel 
said with a laugh. 


152 


Working and Watching 153 

** Where was Lander ? 

Close by, stuffing himself with food in 
order to make sure there wouldn’t be any- 
thing to eat to-morrow.” 

But didn’t he jump on you?” and Larry’s 
eyes really appeared to be bulging from their 
sockets, so great was his astonishment. 

“ He didn’t dare make a move toward it,” 
Frank cried triumphantly. If you fellows 
around here had stood your ground now and 
then, when he tried to bully you, Leander 
wouldn’t have been able to run matters as it 
seems he has been doing.” 

Was Bill Dean with him ? ” Hot Morgan 
asked, and Frank replied laughingly : 

They were both looking on when Ruel 
walked up and took the ax. The most they 
dared to do was threaten what would be done 
at some other time ; but words from such fel- 
lows as those don’t amount to anything at 
all.” 

“ Well, what’re you goin’ to do now ? ” 
Larry asked with a fine tone of sarcasm. 
“ We can’t eat the ax.” 

** There’s no real need of eating anything 
before night, and by that time I believe we 


154 The Camp on Indian Island 

shall be able to get up quite a dinner. You 
and Hot Morgan are going out fishing.” 

What ? ” Larry exclaimed in alarm as 
Ruel ceased speaking. How can we do 
anything of that kind when we haven^t got 
a boat?” 

Frank and I count, with your help, on 
building a raft.” 

It would take a week to make one large 
enough to carry the three of us across the 
lake I ” 

We don^t intend to go across the lake 
until your friend Elish comes after us, and 
even then we may conclude to stay a while 
longer. We came over here to have some fun 
camping out, and it isn’t in our plan that 
Leander and Bill shall prevent us.” 

Larry gazed at Ruel as if believing he had 
taken leave of his senses, and Frank added : 

It strikes me that if we’re going to make 
a try at catching fish we should be getting 
about the job, for the sun will set in a couple 
of hours.” 

Do you fellows think you can make a raft 
big enough in that time ? ” Larry asked, still 
seemingly bewildered. 


Working and Watching 155 

“We count on making what will serve to 
keep you and Morgan from drowning, and 
that 

“ Well, I tell you right here that you don^t 
get me to take any chances of fishin^ while 
Leander an^ Bill are hangin^ ^round I 

“What do you say about it?^^ and Ruel 
turned to face Hot Morgan, who replied 
promptly, but with a look of apprehension 
toward the thicket, where it was reasonable 
to suppose Leander and Bill were even now in 
hiding : 

“ If you fellers think we can get ashore 
without havin^ the fish taken away from us, 
in case we ketch any, I^m ready to try it. 
1^11 tell you the way it is with me ; I ain^t 
such a terrible fighter, ’cordin^ to Lander^s 
idee, an^ IVe got myself in a mighty bad 
muss by botherin^ you. All I’m askin’ is that 
you’ll give me a chance to square up for 
what’s been done.” 

“ That’s the way to talk ! ” Frank cried ap- 
provingly. 

“ And what’s more, we don’t ask you to 
have any row with Leander or Bill,” Ruel 
added. “ Frank and I will look after that 


*5^ The Camp on Indian Island 

part of the business, while you help in what- 
ever way may be possible. We’re going to 
knock a small raft together, so that you or 
Larry can push ofiP far enough from the 
shore to stand a chance of getting fish. 
While you’re at that job we’ll see to it they 
don’t come anywhere near you.” 

“ Got any lines ? ” and Master Morgan 
looked wonderfully relieved in mind. If 
I don’t hump myself, when it comes to any- 
thin’ that ain’t fightin’, you can kick me all 
over this island.” 

** We’ll leave Larry here to look after the 
camp, since he doesn’t dare even to fish with- 
out permission from Leander,” Ruel said in a 
matter-of-fact tone as he began overhauling the 
baggage in search of lines and hooks, while 
Larry cried as if it pleased him to find flaws 
in the plan : 

'‘You can fish till you’re gray-headed ; but 
you won’t get anything. Besides, what about 
bait ? ” 

" We’ll look after that,” Riiel said quietl}^ 
as he brought forth the tackle. " It will 
be odd if we can’t find something on this 
island.” 


Working and Watching 157 

^^But s'posen Leander an' Bill come here 
while you're playin' fool tricks with a raft ? " 
Larry asked nervously. 

It's up to you to answer that question. 
You don't dare do anything but look after 
the camp, and, therefore, should be able to say 
how it is to be done." 

Larry hesitated, opened his mouth as if to 
speak, and closed it again as he went to the 
window to look out. The fact of the matter 
was that he would have preferred to suffer 
from hunger rather than run the slightest risk 
of being overhauled by the terrible Lander." 

“ Here are the hooks and lines ; take what 
you want, Morgan, and while we are cutting 
down trees for the raft you can hunt for 
worms or grubs." 

See here I " Larry cried as Ruel went out 
of the shanty, followed by Frank and Hot, 
“ are you really goin' to leave me here all 
alone ? " 

Why, Larry, you can come with us if you 
choose." 

** I ain't crazy enough to take chances on 
the shore." 

Then you'd better stay right where you 


158 The Camp on Indian Island 

are,” Frank said, laughingly, as he followed 
his cousin. “ Perhaps it would be a good 
idea to cover up your head, after youVe 
locked the door, and then there won’t be any 
danger of seeing Leander if he happens to 
come this way.” 

The slamming of the door was the only 
reply, and even Hot Morgan appeared to 
think that Larry’s cowardice was comical. 

Ruel led the way to the shore in the most 
direct line, arriving at a place where were 
growing five or six small trees, and regarding 
these he asked Hot : 

‘‘Do you believe there is timber enough 
here to keep you afioat ? ” 

“ If I’m goin’ alone, two will do, if you cut 
them into short lengths. Give me the ax, 
for I reckon I’m more in the habit of 
swingin’ it than you.” 

The ex-member of Leander’s gang set about 
the task in a businesslike manner, and he 
promised to make short work of it. While 
he was thus engaged Ruel and Frank stood 
guard, believing that the noise of the blows 
would quickly bring the enemy down upon 
them. 



HE PROMISED TO MAKE SHORT WORK OF IT 






Working and Watching 159 

And in this they were not mistaken. 
Young Morgan had felled but one of the 
trees, and was chopping it into eight-foot 
lengths, using branches as well as trunk in 
order to economize both wood and labor, 
when Ruel espied Leander and Bill creeping 
stealthily down through the bushes toward 
them. 

“None of that I he cried sharply. “If 
you want to see what we are about, come out 
like decent fellows and look ; but don’t sneak 
up on us, or there may be considerable mis- 
chief done.” 

“ What’s goin’ on here ? ” Leander asked in 
a surly tone as he stepped out from among 
the bushes. 

“ By watching us long enough you stand a 
good chance of finding out,” Frank cried in 
a tone of good humor. 

Leander stood a full minute as if rendered 
speechless by the daring of these boys after 
he had warned them against venturing on 
the shore, and then held a brief whispered 
conversation with Bill, after which he said in 
a tone of command : 

“ You want to stop any sich funny busi- 


i6o The Camp on Indian Island 

ness, an^ do it right off, ^cause we don^t count 
on lettin^ you leave this island till we get 
good an^ ready/ ^ 

Watch us a little while an^ see how 
you’ve scared us,” Frank cried laughingly. 
“ I reckon it’s up to us to say what shall or 
shan’t be done on this island, and if you 
don’t think so just start something.” 

Keep right on chopping,” Ruel said in a 
low tone to Hot Morgan, who had ceased his 
work when Leander first appeared, as if 
thinking the coming of that young gentle- 
man would put an end to the task. “ We’ll 
see to it that those fellows don’t get anywhere 
near you.” 

“ I ain’t so scared of them as I was of you, 
an’ that’s why they had sich a good chance 
to call me a coward,” Hot replied as he 
resumed his work, and Leander and Bill 
would have been blind indeed if they had 
failed to see that the city boys were prepared 
to defend the laborer. 

During the next two minutes not a word 
was spoken, and then Leander cried peremp- 
torily : 

Drop that ax. Hot Morgan, or I’ll 


Working and Watching i6i 

warm your jacket ’twixt now an' Saturday 
night I " 

“ He has discharged himself from your reg- 
iment and enlisted with us, so be careful how 
you interfere with him," Ruel cried warningly. 

Again Leander took counsel with Bill, as if 
the change in the situation perplexed him, 
and meanwhile Hot swung the ax vigorously 
until he had what appeared to be sufficient 
material for such a raft as it was proposed to 
build. 

We can tie the logs together with vines, 
and I'll lend a hand. Ruel won't have any 
trouble in keeping those imitation toughs at 
a distance," Frank said as he waded into the 
water knee-deep, and, without intending to 
do so, he moved in such a manner that a 
clump of bushes hid him entirely from view 
of Leander and Bill. 

You needn't stretch your necks so much, 
for I'll tell you what they are doing," Ruel 
said, as the country boys twisted and turned 
to see what was going on. We've decided 
to have some fish to take the place of the 
food you took, and one of them is going out 
on a raft to catch a few." 


i 62 The Camp on Indian Island 

'' Perhaps he will, an' then again, p'rhaps 
he won't," Leander growled. “ I reckon me 
an' Bill will have somethin' to say 'bout that. 
We've got the upper hand of you fellers, an' 
count on holdin' the grip." 

Now's the time if you have anything to 
say ; Frank and I are ready for whatever you 
can scare up in the line of trouble. As for 
having the upper hand of us, I'm inclined to 
think you are making the mistake of your 
life." 

The country boys held their ground, as if 
about to make an attack, and Ruel stood 
ready to oppose them at the first show of 
mischief, until Frank came out from behind 
the bushes and said : 

“ Morgan has pushed off, and he has half a 
dozen fat worms for bait." 

“ Is the raft stout enough to hold him ? " 
Well, it is after a fashion ; it is about 
level with the surface, and he can't wiggle 
around very much without getting into 
trouble ; but he claims that there's no need of 
going very far from the point. If the vines 
give way he can swim ashore. What are 
those fellows thinking of doing ? " 


Working and Watching 163 

“ Trying to get their courage up for a fight, 
but they are finding it hard work. They’re 
ripe for any kind of mischief, and it won’t be 
well to stop watching them for a little min- 
ute.” 

At this moment a cry of triumph was 
heard from Hot Morgan, and when Frank 
had hastened to the water’s edge he saw the 
ex-prisoner exultantly holding up a big black 
perch. 

It won’t need more’n three like this feller 
to give us all the dinner we can eat ! ” he 
cried gleefully. Stand by to ketch him, an’ 
I’ll soon show you another ! ” 

Frank caught the fish deftly as Hot threw 
him ashore, and ran at once to show his 
cousin the prize. 

** This doesn’t look much like being starved 
out,” he cried, holding the perch where all 
the boys might see him. Morgan couldn’t 
have had his line in the water more than a 
minute before hooking him ! ” 

It was evident from the expression on their 
faces that Leander and Bill were not only 
vexed, but decidedly disturbed in mind, be- 
cause of the fisherman’s success. They must 


164 The Camp on Indian Island 

have understood that by leaving Hot a pris- 
oner in the camp they had given a decided 
advantage to the city boys, who could watch 
while he worked, and it was not pleasant to 
thus realize that they had been foolish. 

If such fish as that can be caught close to 
the camp, I don’t care if Elish doesn’t come 
after us for a week I ” Ruel cried trium- 
phantly. ** Now we stand a chance of enjoy- 
ing ourselves, for it’ll be no more than sport 
to keep you at a proper distance 1 ” 

Crow while you’ve got the chance,” Lean- 
der said angrily. “ We’ll soon put a stop to 
that kind of fun, an’ then will come our 
turn.” 

'' Perhaps ; but I doubt ” 

Another shout from Hot interrupted Ruel, 
and a few seconds later Frank held up a sec- 
ond perch, even larger than the first. 

We’ll wait till he gets one more, and then 
cook supper,” Ruel said, and he had no more 
than spoken before Hot shouted gleefully 
over the capture of the third fish. 

Pull the raft ashore, and we’ll get back to 
camp,” Frank called to Morgan, and the lat- 
ter said ruefully : 


Working and Watching 165 

** Them fellers will steal her jest as soon as 
we have gone.’^ 

That’s a fact ; but I don’t see how we can 
help ourselves,” Frank replied, and then he 
ran forward to learn whether Ruel had any- 
thing in mind to prevent Leander and Bill 
from taking some mean advantage of their 
handiwork. 


CHAPTER XIII 


REAL SPORT 

** If we leave the raft here, and I suppose 
that is what we must do, those fellows will 
haul her away, or try their luck at fishing,” 
Frank said in a whisper to his cousin. She 
isn^t such a valuable craft that we need to 
shed many tears over losing her, yet at the 
same time I don't feel inclined to chop down 
trees for their benefit.” 

‘‘There's no good reason why we should 
leave her here,” Ruel said after a brief pause. 
“ It wouldn't be very much of a task to carry 
the timbers up to the camp, and they can be 
fastened together again whenever we want to 
use them.” 

I was a thick-head not to have thought of 
that same thing ! ” Frank exclaimed as he ran 
back to the water's edge, and a few seconds 
later the ropes of vines had been cut, while 
the small timbers were on the shore. 

‘‘ Gather up as many as you can carry, and 
166 


Real Sport 167 

we’ll take them to the camp, where they can 
be used when we’re needing more fish,” Frank 
said to Hot Morgan, and an expression of 
satisfaction came over Hot’s face as he under- 
stood that his late comrades were to be de- 
prived of any opportunity to take advantage 
of his labors. 

A howl of rage went up from both the 
country boys when they saw the precautions 
which the lads from the city were taking to 
avoid unnecessary labor with the dull ax, 
and as soon as he could master his anger suf- 
ficiently to speak, Leander cried : 

If you fellers think you’re goin’ to run 
things all your own way on this island, you’re 
makin’ a mighty big mistake. I don’t want 
to lame you for life ; but I’ll have to do it if 
you keep on the way you’ve begun.” 

** Look here,” Ruel said in a matter-of-fact 
tone. Our fathers hired this island, and so 
long as the rent is paid, it is the same as our 
property ; while you have no right here what- 
soever. If you think, however, that it is 
possible for you to take charge of matters, 
don’t fret about doing us any very serious 
damage, for we stand ready to run all the risks 


i68 The Camp on Indian Island 

of that kind. Get on to the camp, Morgan, 
and we 41 see that these country toughs can^t 
come near enough to do you any mischief.” 

Hot did not wait for further instructions. 
Even though the city boys stood ready to de- 
fend him, he was literally trembling with fear 
while Leander thus threatened, and desired 
only to put the greatest possible distance be- 
tween himself and the bully in the shortest 
space of time. 

While one might have counted twenty 
Leander and Bill stood directly in front of 
Ruel and Frank, as if it was in their minds 
to make an immediate attack ; but the city 
lads, instead of showing signs of fear, ap- 
peared perfectly willing for an encounter, and 
Leander said to his companion with a laugh, 
much as though it was possible for him to do 
exactly as he pleased : 

“ I reckon we^d better get our camp inter 
shape before we do anythin' else. After 
we’ve rigged up a place same’s we agreed on, 
we’ll come down here an’ show these fellers 
that they can’t put on any city frills with us.” 

“ Take your own time about it,” Frank cried 
sharply ; for the tone in which Leander spoke 


Real Sport 169 

irritated him more than did the words ; but 
don't forget that if you do kick up another 
row we won't allow it to end till you've had 
the flogging of your lives ! " 

** Don't let them see that they can provoke 
you," Ruel whispered warningly. If we 
keep our temper, and at the same time show 
we're ready to meet any move that may be 
made, they won't get much satisfaction out of 
us." 

“ You fellers do a good deal of floggin' with 
your tongues ; but I take notice that you ain't 
doin' much of anythin' else," Leander cried 
mockingly, and, despite Ruel's words of cau- 
tion, Frank replied : 

It hasn't been so very long since all hands 
of you were begging for mercy, and we were 
soft enough to let up. That sort of thing won't 
happen again, however, and when we get you 
in another tight place, you'll suffer ! " 

** All right ; we'll think over what you've 
said, so's to kinder get used to it, an' then we 
shan't feel so terrible bad 'bout bein' chewed 
into little pieces," Leander cried with a laugh, 
and then he and Bill disappeared amid the 
bushes. 


170 The Camp on Indian Island 

“ There won’t be any fight,” said Ruel, for 
those fellows don’t dare to tackle us. All we 
need do is to show that we’re ready for them, 
so there isn’t any good reason why you should 
lose your temper.” 

It makes me chafe under the collar to 
hear those country jays talk as if they could 
do whatever pleased them,” Frank replied, 
all trace of his ill temper having disappeared. 
“ I do hope, however, that they’ll try to be 
funny just once more, so we can serve them 
out in proper shape.” 

While talking, the others had been walking 
in the direction of the camp, and were now 
close to the door. 

Ruel knocked, and at the same time 
shouted : 

“ Open up, Larry. There’s nothing to be 
afraid of now.” And he added as Larry opened 
the door ever so cautiously, If Morgan got 
back safely, you’ve already seen that w^e can 
catch fish in this lake, even though we haven’t 
any boat.” 

I didn’t say it couldn’t be done if you 
built a raft,” Larry replied in a tone of the 
greatest good humor. “ If you fellers hadn’t 


Real Sport 171 

been in sich a terrible hurry I^d gone with 
yer ; but it seemed as if you couldn't wait a 
minute." 

Are you certain you really wanted to go 
with us? " Frank asked laughingly, as he left 
the door wide open after entering, and Larry 
replied, as he hastened to close it : 

I wasn't so terribly keen after goin' fishin', 
for I don't think there's very much fun to it ; 
but I'd been willin' to help out if I was 
needed." 

Leave the door open ! " Frank cried when 
Larry was about to shut it. “ The weather is 
too hot for us to be sealed up in this little 
camp without a chance for any fresh air." 

But Lander'll make it mighty hot 
for " 

Leander will look after his own business, 
leaving us severely alone, if he has half as 
much sense as an ordinary fellow should have. 
If I thought leaving the door open would 
bring him down on us, I'd nail it back so we 
couldn't close it, for I'm gettin' mighty eager 
to have a bit of exercise with that young 
scoundrel." 

Then, as if to show beyond the possibility 


172 The Camp on Indian Island 

of a doubt that he had no fear as to what 
Leander and Bill might be able to do, Frank 
brought a chair from the inside of the camp, 
tilted it back against the building, and seated 
himself in the most comfortable manner pos- 
sible, while Larry hurried into the kitchen 
with every evidence of fear on his face, as he 
whispered to Hot Morgan : 

‘‘ Of course I don^t want Lander to get the 
best of the city fellers ; but it wouldn^t make 
me feel bad a little bit, if he^d give that Frank 
Gilmore sich a dose as would take some of the 
gimp out of him/^ 

If anythin' like that happened we'd stand 
a mighty good show of gettin' it hot an' 
strong," Master Morgan replied as he set about 
cleaning the fish. ‘‘We'll stick mighty close 
to the city chaps if we know which side of our 
bread is buttered." 

Then the ex-member of “ Lander's gang " 
made his preparations for frying the fish, 
while Larry stood helplessly by, although he 
had claimed that, as an amateur, he was no 
mean cook, and when Ruel came into the 
kitchen Larry said, as if some personal wrong 
was being done him : 


173 


Real Sport 

What^s the use of cookin^ fish when 
you haven't got anythin’ else to go with 
’em?” 

Frank and I have an idea that fried fish 
with roasted potatoes go far ahead of noth- 
ing to eat, and therefore, as we look at it, 
there’s a good bit of use. No one will make 
any complaint if you don’t even so much as 
taste of the perch, so I can’t see that you’ll be 
any worse off than if we sat down deliberately 
to starve.” 

Then Ruel began to do what he could 
toward helping the cook, while Frank was sit- 
ting outside the camp to show his contempt 
for Leander and Bill, and a most appetizing 
odor was already creeping out of the open 
door when suddenly there came a great crash 
on the side of the shanty. 

What is the matter?” Ruel cried as he 
ran out from the kitchen just in time to see 
Frank disappearing amid the bushes, while a 
rock half as big as his head, which was lying 
near the door, was sufficient evidence as to 
what had caused the crash. 

Lander has begun to square things I ” 
Larry wailed from his station behind the 


174 The Camp on Indian Island 

stove, and Hot replied, his face paling even 
beneath the many coats of sunburn : 

'' That's what's happenin'. There's a rock 
that must weigh near to twenty pounds layin' 
close to the chair your city feller was sittin' in, 
an' the wonder is that he wasn't smashed all 
to pieces ! " 

'' Come back, Frank I Come back ! " Ruel 
shouted at the full strength of his lungs. 

Can't you see that all they want is to get 
you out among the trees alone? " 

Then, fearing that his cousin might come to 
some harm, he ran at full speed until he over- 
took him, when he literally forced the angry 
boy back to the camp. 

They shan't play any such games as that 
without being made to know what it 
costs ! " Frank cried, struggling to release 
himself from his cousin's grasp; but Ruel 
held him firmly, saying as he dragged the lad 
along : 

There is no sense in doing exactly as they 
hoped you would, and you shall be more 
sensible. If we go around aching for a row, 
it won't be possible to have any real sport out 
of living in a camp ; but by attending strictly 


Real Sport 175 

to our own affairs, we can have a pretty good 
time.'^ 

But I've got a right to sit outside the 
camp, and those jays shan't prevent me ! " 
Frank replied angrily, yet he ceased to 
struggle against Ruel, walking quietly by 
his side until they were come to the shanty 
once more. 

Of course you've got a right to sit outside ; 
but you only did so to show those fellows you 
weren't afraid of them, and didn't get fun 
enough out of it to pay for the chances of 
having your head broken," and again Ruel 
summoned Larry to open the door, adding 
when Larry timidly obeyed the command : 

Now we're going to have fried fish and 
roasted potatoes ; after we've eaten our fill 
you shall decide whether we're to spend our 
time fooling with a couple of toughs, or if we 
are to get what sport may be coming our 
way." 

The food which Hot Morgan prepared was 
good evidence that he had a fair idea as to 
how a simple meal, such as was then on the 
table, should be cooked, and when Frank had 
eaten his share of it he was in a better frame 


176 The Camp on Indian Island 

of mind, although his belief as to what should 
be done to Leander and Bill by way of punish- 
ment was in no way changed. 

Larry had not disdained to eat rather more 
than his share of the food, even though there 
was not much of variety, and, having devoured 
the last morsel that remained in the frying- 
pan after the hunger of his companions had 
been satisfied, he asked sharply : 

** Now whaVre you goin^ to do ^bout it ? 

About what ? Ruel asked with no great 
show of curiosity. 

** ^Bout the rock that come mighty near 
smashin^ Frank's head?" 

What do you think should be done ? " 

Lander an' Bill oughter be thumped till 
their teeth drop out, that's what they need." 

Are you ready to help do it? " Ruel asked 
as he piled the logs, which had formed the 
raft, carefully in a corner of the kitchen, and 
hid the ax under the bedclothing in one of 
the bunks. 

I'll do my share," Larry replied with no 
slight show of hesitation. 

Very well, you shall have a chance. We 
ought to have some water first, so that it 


177 


Real Sport 

won^t be necessary to go down to the shore 
after dark. Get one of the kettles ; 1^11 
take the bucket, and Frank shall carry the 
pitcher.’’ 

But, see here,” and Larry looked alarmed. 
“ What’s the sense in goin’ for water till we 
need some ? Lander an’ Bill are most likely 
watchin’ out for us, an’ we’ll have a reg’lar 
row.” 

** I’m allowing we shall have one before we 
do very much in the way of thumping them, 
so it makes little difference how soon it is 
begun. Are you ready ? ” 

** See here, I ain’t goin’ ’round tryin’ to 
stir up a fight, an’ that’s the whole of it ! ” 
Larry cried, no longer trying to hide his 
cowardice. “ What’s more, I won’t go down 
to the shore for water, not if I never have 
another drop till Elish comes to take us off 
of this bloomin’ old island, where I wish I’d 
never come ! ” 

I thought you weren’t very eager to 
thump Leander,” Ruel said with a laugh, 
and Frank added, as he took up the iron 
kettle : 

** If you’re going for water, come on. I’m 


lyS The Camp on Indian Island 

sick of seeing Larry drop into his boots when- 
ever any one speaks of Leander. Are you 
going with us, Morgan?^' 

For reply Hot took up the bucket and 
Larry, with never the slightest show of shame 
on his face, stood by to bolt the door after his 
companions had gone out. 

Look here, fellers, Hot Morgan said, 
when they were so far from the camp on 
their way to the shore that it was possible to 
make certain there was no one lurking near by 
to hear the words, if you^ll stand ^round to- 
morrow, so’s Lander and Bill shan^t rough in, 
I’ll cut enough more logs to make a raft that’ll 
hold part of me out of water when I get tired 
of swimmin’, an’ put across to tell Elish that 
you’re needin’ him.” 

You’d never be able to get so far!” Frank 
cried. It must be full four miles 1 ” 

“ I reckon it’s nearer five, but that won’t 
cut any figger. I needn’t leave here till the 
wind is fair an’ then it’ll only be a case of 
swimmin’ half the time. I know I can do it 
with a raft to rest on, an’ I’d like to try it for 
the sake of showin’ you fellers that I’m sorry 
I helped tow off your canoe.” 


1/9 


Real Sport 

Before either of the city lads could make 
reply to this proposition a commotion was 
heard in the underbrush just ahead of them 
and an instant later Leander and Bill ap- 
peared in the path, each armed with a formi- 
dable-looking club. 


CHAPTER XIV 


A CONFERENCE 

The sudden and unexpected appearance of 
Leander and Bill made it quite evident that 
a battle was imminent, and evidently Hot 
Morgan believed that those whom he had 
once obeyed implicitly were about to wreak 
revenge upon him, for he dropped the bucket 
as if it burned his hands, and would have run 
with all speed to the camp, had not Frank 
whispered angrily : 

Come, those chumps are only trying to 
scare us, and if you stand your ground theyUl 
beat a retreat.’^ 

These words seemed to revive Hot Morgan^s 
courage somewhat, for he took up the bucket 
once more, although taking good care to re- 
main very close behind Frank, where he would 
not be exposed to the first attack. 

Ruel, who had been leading, halted as if 
ready to defend himself, and his cousin, step- 
ping to his side, said in a low tone : 

180 


A Conference 


i8i 


“ Now is the time when we’ll show that 
precious Leander what it costs to be funny, 
and I hope he’ll stay long enough to get it 
good and strong.” 

I’m not aching for a row,” Ruel replied in 
a whisper, for it doesn’t seem just the thing 
to spend our time fighting ; but we’d bet- 
ter finish the job up brown this time, else 
we’ll never have any peace while we stay 
here.” 

Then, instead of waiting for an attack, the 
city boys ran forward, and, greatly to their 
surprise, Leander and Bill immediately 
lowered their clubs. 

Look here,” said Leander, I reckon we’d 
better talk this thing over, ’cause there’s no 
knowin’ how long it may be before Elish 
comes, an’ some of us will starve to death if 
we don’t make a bargain.” 

You didn’t think of that when you ate all 
that food we brought with us I ” Frank cried 
angrily, and his cousin understood that he was 
really disappointed because the enemy showed 
no signs of giving battle. 

We had to look out for ourselves, an’ the 
only show was to get whatever was lyin’ 


^i 82 The Camp on Indian Island 

^round loose/’ Leander said in a half-apolo- 
getic tone. 

And now that you have eaten everything 
which could be come at, you’re ready to 
whine I ” Frank cried, and Ruel whispered 
sternly : 

It’s our fault if there’s a fight. These fel- 
lows are ready to make some kind of a bar- 
gain, and it is for us to listen, instead of doing 
our best to make bad matters worse.” Then, 
turning toward the enemy, he asked, Well, 
what is it you want ? ” 

“ We didn’t know but you fellers had got 
tired of tryin’ to run things this way, an’ we’d 
do what we could to help you out,” Bill said, 
^ after waiting in vain a few seconds for the 
leader to reply. 

“ If you are here to make a bargain, that 
isn’t the way to begin,” Ruel interrupted, 
sternly. ** We come pretty near being satis- 
fied with the way matters are going, and don’t 
ask you for any help. Unless you fellows are 
idiots, you understand that once we get over 
to the village you’ll be in a mighty bad fix. 
Even in this part of the country boys can’t 
go about stealing, as you have done, without 


A Conference 


183 

coming to grief sooner or later. Now, say 
what youVe got on your minds, or get back 
to your camp.’^ 

The fact that the city boys were not eager 
to meet him half-way in a peace conference 
disconcerted the valiant Leander, who stam- 
mered and coughed in his efforts to put into 
words what he was eager to say. 

Do you want to keep on fightin’ an^ rowin’ 
it, or are you willin’ to fix things up ? ” he 
asked after a great effort, and Ruel had no little 
difficulty in repressing a smile, as he replied : 

“ We haven’t anything to ‘ fix up.’ We 
came over here to camp out, and you took our 
boat, afterward breaking into the shanty to 
rob us of food. You wouldn’t be here, unable 
to get away, if you hadn’t come here for mis- 
chief ; so, as I look at it, you’re the ones who 
must attend to the ‘ fixing.’ ” 

And we are perfectly willing to keep on 
fighting, if that is the way you put it,” Frank 
added, showing more signs of anger each mo- 
ment. We are satisfied to have matters go 
along in this same style for a week to come, and 
we won’t suffersovery much, either, webelieve.” 

By this time even Bill Dean seemed at a 


184 The Camp on Indian Island 

loss for words; but after a brief whispered 
consultation with Leander he dropped his club 
and stepped forward a few paces, as if to show 
that he was disposed to be friendly in case the 
city boys would permit him. 

Lander an^ I might jest as well own up 
that we^re in a mess, an^ it^s all our fault, 
’cause we had no right to leave Hot where you 
could coax him over on your side. If we’d 
kept him with us, it wouldn’t have been much 
of a job to get the best of you, ’cause Larry 
Duffield don’t count for a little bit when it 

comes to a row, an’ ” 

' “ You’d better stop right there,” Ruel cried 
in a tone of irritation. ‘‘ We don’t care to 
hear you figure out how you could have got 
the best of us, for you tried a couple of times, 
when Morgan was with the crowd, and didn’t 
make any very great fist at it. If you haven’t 
anything different to say, we’ll go on about 
our business.” 

'^And we’ll take precious good care that 
you don’t hang around this part of the island 
any longer,” Frank added, determined to let 
the enemy understand that he and Ruel were 
ready to defend their rights. 


A Conference 


185 

** But we thought you fellers would be willin' 
to make some kind of a bargain," Bill Dean 
said in an imploring tone. 

“We must hear what sort of a bargain you 
want to make, before saying whether we are 
willing or not," Ruel replied gravely, and 
because he did not refuse offhand to entertain 
a proposition, Leander was emboldened to 
come forward once more. 

“It's jest like this," he began, and Frank 
interrupted peremptorily : 

“ Drop that club if you count on making 
a trade." 

Leander meekly allowed the stick to drop 
from his hands, and this show of submission 
so strengthened Hot Morgan's courage that he 
stepped out from behind Frank, taking up a 
position where he could the better see what 
was being done. 

“ Say, what kind of a trade would you fel- 
lers be willin' to make ? " Leander cried. 

“ We haven't had any idea of making a 
trade, for we're satisfied with the way matters 
are going," Frank replied with a laugh, but 
Ruel, who believed it was their duty to listen to 
any sort of overtures for peace, replied quietly : 


i86 The Camp on Indian Island 

“ It is for you to say what you want, and 
we’ll consider it.” 

We want you to give us a fair show with 
yourselves,” Bill Dean cried quickly, and 
Frank asked scornfully : 

“ So you’re thinking that after doing all the 
mischief you can, and having come to an end 
of your rope, we will take you in with us, 
eh?” 

I ain’t sayin’ as we’ve really come to the 
end of our rope, ’cause I s’pose we can 
squeak along somehow, even if Elish don’t 
come for a week,” Leander said meekly. 

But, look here, I’m sorry we tried to make 
trouble ; but we have, an’ I’m willin’ to agree 
that we’ve got the worst of it. We haven’t 
any right to think you’ll make a trade with 
us ; but if you will, we’ll do whatever you say 
is the square thing, an’ won’t ask to be let off 
when all hands get back to the village, either.” 

Frank was about to make an angry reply, 
but his cousin gripped him by the arm in 
token that he should not speak just then, and 
asked of Leander : 

“ Suppose we were willing to let you share 
with us so long as we are obliged to stay on 


A Conference 187 

the island, how do we know that you^d play 
square ? ” 

We’ll cross our throats on it ! ” Leander 
cried eagerly. “ What’s more, we’ll do any- 
thin’ you want to show that we won’t try to 
play any tricks. If you say the word, givin’ 
us a show to sleep in the camp, an’ our share 
of what you fellers have to eat, we’ll do all 
the work, an’ whatever else you ask of us.” 

** I thought you’d fixed up a camp of your 
own?” Frank cried. 

We did pile up a lot of brush ; but it 
wouldn’t keep us dry if a storm came up, 
same as is threatenin’ now. Jest give us a 
chance to live with you peaceably, and we’ll 
catch fish, chop wood, or do whatever you 
want.” 

Although Frank might not have admitted 
as much at the time, he understood full well 
that it would be to the advantage of himself 
and his cousin, if they counted on getting any 
sport from camping out, to make some kind 
of a bargain with Leander and Bill while they 
were in a penitent mood. It was nothing less 
than foolishness to spend all their time guard- 
ing the camp against these boys, who, if their 


i88 The Camp on Indian Island 

proposition was rejected, would, as a matter of 
course, bend all their energies to working mis- 
chief, whereas, in case a truce was agreed upon 
until all could gain the mainland, much in 
the way of pleasure might yet be gained. 

What do you say about it, Frank ? 
Ruel asked of his cousin, and the latter re- 
plied irritably : 

“ Do whatever you please, though it goes 
mightily against the grain to take these fel- 
lows in as chums after they Ve done every- 
thing they can against us.” 

“ We wouldn^t make chums of them. If 
they camped with us, it would be a question 
of holding them at a distance, and it will save 
us the trouble of being constantly on guard 
against them.” 

“ I'll be satisfied with whatever you do, 
though I would like to thump Leander once, 
until he had enough of trying to raise a row,” 
Frank said curtly, as he turned away, thus 
showing that he would take no further part 
in the conference. 

Leander has come way down off his high 
hoss,” Hot Morgan said in a low but trium- 
phant tone when Frank came over to where 


A Conference 


189 

he stood. I never would have believed he 
could eat so much humble pie, an^ from this 
out I’m allowin’ he can’t bully us fellers in 
the village same’s he’s always done.” 

Meanwhile Leander and Bill were waiting 
in all meekness to learn if the city boys would 
agree to make some kind of a bargain, and it 
was a full minute before Ruel gave them any 
satisfaction. 

Then he said, speaking slowly, as if weigh- 
ing every word : 

I’m not willing to make any trade until 
after hearing what the other members of our 
party, even including Hot Morgan, have to 
say about it. If you fellows will come up 
somewhere near the camp, we’ll talk the mat- 
ter over among ourselves, and let you know 
what may be agreed on.” 

Shall we go there now?” Leander asked 
meekly. 

Wait till we fill the kettle and bucket 
with water, for that’s what we came after, and 
then we’ll be ready to hold a consultation.” 

Give me the bucket,” Bill cried, as he ad- 
vanced to take it from Ruel’s hands. We’ll 
carry the kettle, too, an’ bring ’em both down 


igo The Camp on Indian Island 

filled with water from the spring, for it’s 
colder than what you get out of the lake, 
that’s sure.” 

“ Well, I’d never believed Leander an’ Bill 
would do quite so much beggin’,” Horace 
Morgan said, as the country boys ran off at 
full speed toward the spring. If the fellers 
in the village don’t rough inter him after we 
get back, I’m way out of my reckonin’. He’s 
allers tellin’ ’bout what he can do when it 
comes to fightin’, an’ here he is luggin’ water 
meek as Moses, when he allowed he could do 
both of you up in great shape with one hand 
tied behind his back ! ” 

If you village boys had had courage 
enough to stand up to him like decent fel- 
lows, he would never have been able to play 
the bully as he has,” Ruel said with a laugh, 
for he was feeling decidedly more comfortable 
in mind now there was a prospect that the 
warfare had come to an end. We’ll go up 
to the camp, where we can talk the matter 
over with Larry, and I’m hoping that every- 
thing will be fixed so we can have a little 
sport here on the island, even though it isn’t 
possible to get very much to eat.” 


A Conference 


191 


Larry will be bold as a lion just as soon as 
he learns that ‘ Lander's gang ' has surren- 
dered, and claim that he could have whipped 
both of them single handed if we had 
given him the chance," and Frank laughed 
long and loud as he pictured in his 
mind the cowardly Larry suddenly grown 
brave. 

When the boys arrived at the camp and 
knocked for admittance, Larry cried from 
within, still keeping the door bolted : 

“ Are you sure Lander an' Bill ain't sneak- 
in' 'round waitin' for a chance to jump down 
on us? I saw 'em a minute ago kitin' up 
through the bushes with the bucket an' kettle, 
so I knowed they'd got the best of you fellers 
agin." 

Open the door ! " Frank cried impatiently, 
as he kicked at the frail barrier with no gentle 
force. 

You fellers look around first, so's to see 
where Leander is, 'cause I ain't countin' on 
havin' him in here ragin' 'round, jest 'bout the 
same as killin' everybody ! " 

Are you still afraid of Leander ? " Frank 
asked, and Larry replied sharply : 


192 The Camp on Indian Island 

“ Yes, I’m willin’ to agree I am, an’ I reckon 
you fellers ain^t feelin^ much different since 
he took away the kettle an’ bucket, eh ? Now 
how can we boil potatoes, or lug any water ? 
They’ve got us on the hip, an’ the sooner you 
try to make some dicker with ’em, so’s we can 
keep ourselves from starvin’, the better it’ll 
be all around.” 

Are you ready to give in to whatever 
Leander may want done?” and Frank had 
great difficulty in repressing his mirth. 

Of course I am,” Larry replied, decidedly. 
** There’s no other way out of it, ’less you’re 
willin’ to starve.” 

All right. Open the door and we’ll de- 
cide what kind of a bargain can be made with 
these fellows.” 

I thought you’d come to your senses after 
a while, though you fellers was a mighty long 
while findin’ out that it ain’t safe to run up 
against Lander,” Larry said as he opened the 
door cautiously. “ Was there much of a row 
when he took the bucket away from you? 
I’m ” 

He ceased speaking very suddenly, for at 
that instant Leander and Bill appeared from 


A Conference 


‘93 


amid the bushes, and with a loud cry of fear 
Larry slammed the door shut, leaving his 
comrades on the outside to receive the brunt 
of the supposed attack. 


CHAPTER XV 


>1 


A CONSULTATION 

When Larry fled in such haste, Hot Mor- 
gan, counting, perhaps, on adding to Larry ^s 
fears, ran hurriedly around the outside of the 
shanty to the kitchen window. 

The shutter was open, and, while Larry was 
crawling under one of the bunks. Hot crept 
through the window. 

Don^t open that door ! ” Larry cried, but 
before he ceased speaking Hot Morgan had 
opened the door, giving entrance to Ruel and 
Frank. 

Why don^t you shut that door ? ” Larry 
howled. Do you want them fellers to clean 
out the whole place ? ” 

How would you like it if we should make 
some trade with the gang, so they wouldn^t 
make it so hot for us ? Frank asked, deter- 
mined to lead Larry on until he had fully 
confessed his cowardice. 

If you only could ! ” Larry cried fervently. 

194 


A Consultation 195 

“ Anything would be better than to let them 
run all over us 1 

Well, we came here so you might have a 
voice in the consultation,” Frank continued 
gravely. Leander and Bill have offered to 
make a trade, and the question is, whether we 
shall give in to them ? What do you say ? ” 

“ If they^re willin^ to let us alone, I’d agree 
to give the whole camp up to ’em I ” 

With everything that is in it? ” 

Sure. They’re certain to get us in a tight 
place before a great while, ’less we can buy 
’em off! ” 

There is no sense in keeping up that kind 
of sport, Frank,” Ruel interrupted. I did 
think possibly we might talk reasonably with 
Larry, but he is so afraid of Leander that he 
can’t even speak of him without trembling. 
The question for us to settle is whether we are 
willing to do as those fellows propose ? ” 

“ Of course you’ll do it I ” Larry cried. 

“ The important matter to be settled,” said 
Frank, is whether they will keep their word. 
What do you think about it, Morgan ? ” 

I believe you can trust ’em,” Hot replied. 

When Leander comes down off his high boss 


196 The Camp on Indian Island 

same’s he did a while ago, you won’t be far 
out of the way in believin’ all he says.” 

Larry had partially crawled from beneath 
the bunk, intending, no doubt, to demand 
that his companions agree to any terms Lean- 
der might have imposed, but he now sat bolt 
upright, in speechless surprise. 

** He is surely humble enough, when both 
he and Bill are willing to bring water for us. 
They didn’t lose any time at it, either,” and 
Frank laughed as he thought of the very de- 
cided change which had come over the bullies. 

Look at them, waiting there patiently to 
learn if we are ready to make a bargain 1 ” 

Larry was on his feet by this time, and as 
Frank thus called attention to the boys out- 
side, his eyes followed the direction indicated 
by the city boy’s outstretched hand. 

There, not twenty feet from the camp, he 
could see those of whom he stood in such 
abject fear, seated on the ground with the 
vessels of water near at hand, and even he 
could understand that the country boys had 
not come with any evil intent. 

'‘What are they waitin’ for?” he asked in 
a tremulous voice, and Hot replied, as if it 


A Consultation 


‘97 

gave him great pleasure to impart the infor- 
mation : 

They agree to do whatever these fellows 
say, if we’ll let ’em bunk in here with us. 
Leander is down an’ out. He’s willin’ to say 
that they’ve acted mighty mean.” 

This information, together with what could 
be seen from the window, was enough to 
convince Larry that there had been a decided 
change in the situation since he last ventured 
outside. While one might have counted 
twenty he remained silently looking out at 
the repentant bullies, and then, satisfied that 
there was no longer any danger to himself, 
he suddenly found his courage. 

** They can’t come inter this camp, not 
while I’m here ! ” he cried, in a tone suf- 
ficiently loud for the country boys to hear. 
** I’ll show ’em what it means to raise sich a 
row as they’ve started.” 

^^Go right out and talk to them,” Ruel said 
as he opened the door. “ Five minutes ago 
you were begging that we make any kind of 
a trade, and now you want to fiog them both. 
Do it now, so we may have it over.” 

But in an instant Larry had important 


198 The Camp on Indian Island 

business in the kitchen, and he did not 
venture out again until the matter under dis- 
cussion had been finally settled. 

** There is no reason why we should give 
Larry any voice in this affair, for there are 
times when he hasn^t common sense,^^ Ruel 
said, turning to his cousin. ** If you and 
Hot are agreed, we may as well close the 
bargain. 

** I^m ready to agree to whatever you think 
best,^^ Frank replied, and Hot added : 

** It don^t jest seem as if I had the right to 
say anything after all that^s been done on 
this island ; but I'd like to see Leander an' 
Bill settled down here, if you fellers are 
willin'." 

Ruel opened the door, and as the repentant 
bullies looked up eagerly, he said quietly : 

It is agreed that you may share what we 
have, and the understanding is that you shall 
do a fair share of the work. There must be 
no quarreling or threatening ; but we are to 
live together as peaceably as may be, until it 
is possible to leave the island." 

We’ll keep to our part of the trade, an' 
don't you forget it," Leander replied as he 


A Consultation 


>99 


came into the camp bringing the pail of 
water, with Bill following close behind and 
staggering under the weight of the kettle. 
“ Is there anything you want us to do to- 
night?” 

Feeling pretty empty in the stomach, I 
reckon ? ” Frank said in a friendly tone, and 
Leander replied emphatically : 

** That’s what we are, for a fact.” 

If youTl try your hand at fishing we’ll 
have another supper before going to bed. 
We’ll carry the logs for the raft down to the 
shore and see what kind of luck you’ll have.” 

Half an hour later a stranger would never 
have suspected, from the general appearance 
of affairs, that there had been any enmity 
between the members of the party. Even 
Larry, who did not dare to show any dis- 
pleasure, fearing lest Leander or Bill might 
serve him out in private, acted a most 
friendly part and all worked together in 
apparently the most perfect harmony. 

Leander suggested that, since there was no 
longer any reason why the raft should be 
taken apart each time after being used, it be 
built more substantially and of sufficient size 


200 


The Camp on Indian Island 

to carry two, and while this was being done 
Hot Morgan explained how he believed it 
would be possible to gain the mainland with- 
out very much of danger. 

It was nearly sunset before Leander had 
enlarged the raft to his satisfaction, but, since 
this was the best time for fishing, no one 
found fault because of the delay. 

Bill Dean had gathered an ample supply of 
bait, and within a quarter hour after the 
newly-made raft had been launched the 
country boys had a supply of perch sufficient 
to satisfy the hunger of a much larger party 
than was on Indian Island. 

Again Hot Morgan acted as cook, but this 
time Larry condescended to aid him in every 
possible way, as if he was eager to please the 
redoubtable Leander, even though that young 
man had, for the time being, ceased to play 
the bully. 

When the second supper had been cooked 
and eaten, the candles lighted, the camp set 
to rights and the boys were lounging about, 
each after his own pleasure, Frank said in a 
tone of satisfaction, addressing himself to no 
one in particular : 


A Consultation 


201 


‘*Say, this is what I call something like I 
It^s a lot better than one crowd trying to get 
the best of the other and nobody having any 
fun. This promises to be sport, and so long 
as the supply of salt pork holds out we 
neednT be afraid of going hungry.” 

I wish we could have started in like this 
at the beginning” Leander added with a long- 
drawn sigh. It wouldnT have done any good 
for us to make an offer then to you fellers.” 

I’m not so certain about that,” Ruel re- 
plied thoughtfully. “ Of course, we were 
warm under the collar because you had run 
off the canoe, but when we found that you 
couldn’t get away from the island until we 
did I’m of the opinion that we’d have been 
glad to have made this same trade. And 
Larry would have been spared considerable 
suffering.” 

** You can’t tell us anythin’ ’bout Larry that 
we don’t know already,” said Leander ; when 
he starts in gettin’ scared he makes a mighty 
good job of it. But, say, didn’t you fellers 
count on buildin’ a raft so’s to sail across 
to the village? You intended to leave the 
island, didn’t you ? ” 


202 


The Camp on Indian Island 

Not after we saw what sort of luck you 
had/^ Ruel replied. Not so many hours 
ago Morgan proposed a plan which I believe 
might be worked, if we were so very keen to 
get away.^’ 

Then Ruel explained the plan that Hot had 
suggested, and Leander said emphatically : 

There ainT the least little bit of a reason 
why it couldnT be done, if a feller started 
when the wind was fair. I^d like to have a 
try at it, an’ I will, too, if you’ll agree, an’ 
help me get under way.” 

Larry was the only one of the party who 
welcomed the proposition. Frank looked 
doubtfully at Ruel, who finally said, hesi- 
tatingly : 

I’m not so certain that I’m in any hurry 
to get away. It may be that we’ll soon grow 
tired of fried fish, and want something in the 
way of bread ; but till that time comes it will 
suit me to stay where we are, now matters 
have been fixed comfortably. I believe we 
will have some fun.” 

** Do you mean that you’d be willin’ to have 
Bill an’ me stay, too ? ” Leander asked in sur- 
prise, and Frank replied laughingly : 


A Consultation 


203 

“ Why not? We’ve been having quite a bit 
of a row, but it’s done with now, and there’s 
no reason why all of us can’t enjoy ourselves. 
It’ll be a case of dividing the work, so that 
neither fellow will be called on to hurt him- 
self by too much labor. I guess nobody will 
suffer.” 

I wish me an’ Bill never had cooked up 
any job to run off your boat,” Leander said 
with a sigh, and Master Dean added em- 
phatically : 

** Me, too I We certainly have stirred up a 
lot of unnecessary trouble.” 

** Look here,” Ruel cried cheerily, “ we’re 
fixed too snug just now to chew over old differ- 
ences. Let’s turn to and get all the fun that’s 
coming to us ” 

I’ll go over to the village before to-morrow 
night, if the wind turns right, an’ we’ll have 
grub enough to see us through in great shape,” 
Leander cried, and he would have gone down 
to the shore then, although it was too dark to 
see anything very clearly, in order to lay his 
plans for the venture, but for the fact that 
just at the moment a gust of rain swept in 
through the open window. 


204 The Camp on Indian Island 

My/' said Bill Dean, ‘'just look at that. 
I knew we were in for a good old spell of 
rough weather.” 

“ I'm afraid you'll have to stay where you 
are for a while,” Ruel said, as Frank par- 
tially closed the shutter, “ and it may be 
we shall be hungry for fish, instead of get- 
ting tired of them, before the storm clears 
away.” 

“ I reckon we'll get quite a bit of rain,” 
Leander added, as he gazed out into the dark- 
ness with the air of a weather prophet, “ but 
you needn't worry 'bout fish. Me an' Bill 
will look after that part of the business, no 
matter how hard it storms.” 

“Who'll lug the water?” Larry piped up, 
thinking that now was the proper time to 
have it understood that the tamed bullies 
should perform the lion's share of the labor of 
the camp. 

“You haven't done anything much since 
we landed here, so I think that part of the 
work belongs to you,” Ruel said decidedly. 
“ Morgan shall be the cook ; Bill and Lean- 
der are to act as fishermen and Frank and I 
will see to the fuel supply.” 


A Consultation 


205 


Have I got to lug water for all hands ? 
Larry asked in a tone of discontent, and Frank 
cried cheerily, but at the same time with a 
note of decision : 

“ You will if you count on having anything 
to eat. With all hands turning to it’s a case 
of doing your share of the work or going 
hungry.^^ 

Larry^ll lug the water all right, an^ won^t 
do any moreen his fair share of loafinV^ Le- 
ander said in such a meaning tone that Larry 
was reduced to silence on the instant, for he 
understood that even though the leader of the 
village boys had surrendered he was not wholly 
subdued. 

Until it was time to roll into the bunks, and 
all hands were more than willing to retire 
early, Leander laid his plans for the raft 
building, declaring that it would not be very 
difficult to make the voyage across the lake, 
and before they closed their eyes that night 
the city as well as the country boys believed 
that communication with the mainland was 
much the same as established already. 

The pattering of rain on the roof and against 
the sides of the camp lulled the weary boys to 


2o 6 The Camp on Indian Island 

rest very shortly after they were stretched at 
full length in the bunks, and for the first time 
since Elish had taken his departure peace 
reigned on Indian Island. 


CHAPTER XVI 


THE STORM 

The campers did not awake until a late 
hour on the morning after the boys had made 
a treaty of peace, and it is quite possible that 
the pattering of the rain caused them to sleep 
much longer than would have been the case 
under other circumstances. 

It was Leander who first aroused to con- 
sciousness, and he cried in a cheery tone as he 
threw open the shutter, thereby getting a regu- 
lar shower bath, for the wind blew the rain 
through the window in sufficient quantity to 
wet him thoroughly : 

It’s time for you fellers to turn out, I 
reckon, an’ yet I don’t know as you can do 
anything better than sleep while the rain is 
cornin’ down by buckets full. Seems though 
it might be nine or ten o’clock, but it’s hard 
to tell, without the sun.” 

Ruel was on his feet in an instant, and 
there was no need for him to look out of the 
207 


2o 8 The Camp on Indian Island 

window in order to learn if it was storming, 
for the rain beat against the roof and sides of 
the shanty in a manner that told how severe 
a gale had swept over the lake during the 
night. 

‘‘ I'm afraid we'll go hungry this day," he 
said grimly, and added, as his glance fell on 
the small amount of fuel which had been 
brought inside the camp the evening previous, 
“ It doesn't look as if we could do very much 
in the way of cooking, even though we had 
all the fish in the lake, for we can't get dry 
wood." 

“ Get back in the bunk for an hour, while 
Bill an' I show you fellers what can be done," 
Leander said as he stripped off everything in 
the way of clothing except his trousers. 

Say, you're not foolish enough to go out- 
side while it's pouring like this?" Frank 
asked lazily, raising himself on his elbow to 
look at the fuel supply. 

Some one must get a move on, an' seein's 
how we're to blame because there isn't any- 
thin' on hand to eat, I'm allowin' that Bill 
an' me are the ones who've got to hustle," 
Leander replied cheerily. 


The Storm 


209 


“ But you^ll be soaked in less than five 
minutes after you put your nose out-of-doors/' 
Frank objected, and Bill Dean said with a 
laugh, as he also stripped off the greater por- 
tion of his clothing : 

“ I reckon the water won't get through our 
skins, an' we'll wear so little that it won't take 
very long to dry what's soaked. Say, Hot, if 
you're the cook start a fire with this dry 
wood, so the wet stuff we bring in will just 
have to burn. See to the fishin', Leander, an' 
I'll swing the ax for a spell." 

We won't hug the camp while you fellows 
are at work," Ruel said decidedly, as he be- 
gan briskly to follow Leander's example by 
stripping to the skin ; but Bill stopped him by 
saying : 

There's no reason why more than two 
should get a duckin'. Stay where you are till 
we get back, an' perhaps your turn will come 
later, for the wind howls as if we was goin' to 
get a long spell of bad weather." 

Bill had hardly more than ceased speaking 
when he and Leander had darted outside, 
finding it difficult to close the door behind 
them because of the wind. 


210 


The Camp on Indian Island 

Larry Duffield was the only member of 
the party who appeared to think it better to 
remain in the bunk, and he closed his eyes 
contentedly when Hot began building a fire, 
but Frank had no intention of allowing the 
indolent lad to take his ease. 

Turn out, Larry, and do your share of the 
work I he cried, laughingly. “ The cook is 
the only one who can hug the camp this 
morning, and if you donT have a supply of 
fresh water on hand you^l go hungry, that^s 
sure.^^ 

Then Frank ran out of the door, followed 
closely by Ruel, and Larry’s wrath was so 
great that he failed to find words sufiiciently 
strong in which to express his anger and 
disgust. 

“ What’s the use for them to make fools of 
theirselves jest ’cause they come from the 
city ? ” he cried, angrily. ** I’ll have him un- 
derstand that I don’t go outdoors this day, 
water or no water ! There’s no sense in all 
hands gettin’ wet ! ” 

“ I’d do as they say, seein’s how things have 
come ’round in a way to make it kinder jolly 
for all hands,” Hot Morgan said in a friendly 


The Storm 


211 


tone. “ Me an’ you haven’t shown up very 
well in this ’ere business, an’ the best thing 
we can do is to plug right at whatever comes 
our way from this out.” 

“ I won’t get the water while it’s rainin’ to 
beat the band,” Larry replied in a tone of de- 
cision, and straightway he rolled over as if 
intending to take another nap. 

Hot continued his work over the stove, as 
if having no doubt but that Leander would 
bring in a supply of fish, and, ten minutes 
later, Ruel and Frank returned, each stagger- 
ing under a heavy burden of fuel, not very 
dry, to be sure, but yet a good deal better than 
nothing. 

Hello, ain’t you out yet ? ” Frank asked 
as he piled his share of wood behind the stove 
where it would be exposed to the heat. “ We’ll 
be needing water mighty soon, and if you 
don’t have it here I promise that you shan’t 
have a bite to eat this day.” 

Then he and Ruel went out into the storm 
again, and Larry slowly crept from the bunk, 
saying meanwhile to Hot : 

'' I’ll go after the water rather’n have a row 
jest now, but ^ you wait a spell, an’ see if I 


212 


The Camp on Indian Island 

don’t give them city fellers ajar ! They ain’t 
goin’ to boss me ’round just like I was their 
slave !” 

When Larry came back from the spring, 
the water running in tiny streams from every 
angle of his garments, for he had refused to 
take off any of his clothing, Leander entered 
with half a dozen big perch. 

I guess there’s enough for all of us. Yell 
for me when breakfast is ready.” 

‘‘Where are you goin’?” Hot asked when 
Leander Leighton turned as if to leave the 
shanty. 

“ Down to fix up the raft. The wind is fair 
for a trip over to the village, an’ it strikes me 
I can’t do any better than get off after break- 
fast. Of course I’ll have to swim part of the 
way, so I won’t get much wetter than if I 
waited till the sun shines, with a chance that 
the breeze may die away entirely by that 
time.” 

Hot busied himself with cleaning the fish. 
Larry, sulky and wet, crept behind the stove 
with the air of a martyr drying his clothes, 
and a full half hour passed in silence, save for 
the noise made by the cook as he bustled about. 


THERE S ENOUGH FOR ALL OF US 








I 


The Storm 


213 

Because the other boys had not come in 
with more fuel it was reasonable to suppose 
they had gone to help Leander, and Hot said 
when the perch were done nearly to a turn : 

“ I reckon all hands are at work on the raft, 
an’ even though it is stormin’ mighty bad, 
Leander ain’t far outer the way when he counts 
on makin’ the trip while the wind’s blowin’ 
strong. Jest stick your head through the door 
an’ yell for ’em to come to breakfast, will 
yer?” 

No, I won’t I ” Larry cried, explosively. 
** They can starve to death for all I care. I’m 
sick of this whole crowd, an’ you bet I don’t 
stay on this bloomin’ old island a single min- 
ute longer’n I have to I ” 

“ Why don’t you go on the raft with Lean- 
der ? ” Hot asked quietly. “ He won’t have 
much trouble in gettin’ across while this wind 
blows, an’ you can be home in time for 
dinner.” 

I’ll go when I get good an’ ready, an’ you 
needn’t try to drive me a little bit, ’cause I’m 
through slavin’ my life out for you fellers ! ” 
and Larry crept yet further behind the hot 
stove. 


214 The Camp on Indian Island 

When it was possible for him to leave the 
fish without danger that they would be 
scorched, Hot went to the door and yelled at 
the full strength of his lungs the information 
that breakfast was ready, after which he began 
putting the fried fish and salt pork on the 
table, saying half to himself as he did so : 

I don't count on bein' any great shakes as 
a cook ; but I would like to have enough to 
work with jest once, so's to show what I 
could do." 

In answer to the summons of the cook, the 
boys came into the shanty wet and hungry, 
but in the best of spirits, and the odor of fried 
fish was so grateful that straightway all hands, 
save the fellow behind the stove, felt that Mas- 
ter Morgan was not only doing more than his 
share of the work, but performing it in a most 
satisfactory manner. 

No one gave any heed to the sulky lad be- 
hind the stove. 

All hands helped themselves so liberally to 
the appetizing food before them, that Larry 
soon began to fear there would be none left 
for him. 

It was not pleasant to come out without 


The Storm 


215 


some word from one of the lads at the table, 
for it had much the appearance of his having 
been beaten at his own game ; but he did not 
dare delay longer. He emerged from his sulk- 
ing place looking decidedly foolish, and Lean- 
der cried with a laugh : 

Hello ! Where^d you come from ? I’d 
kinder made up my mind that you didn’t 
want to have any more truck at all with us 
fellers.’^ 

That’s jest the way I’m feelin’,” Larry re- 
plied sharply, and then he pushed forward his 
plate for a portion of the fish. 

The cook helped him liberally, but in silence, 
and from that moment until the meal was at 
an end no one gave any heed to him. 

From the conversation, he understood that 
the party had been very successful in finding 
such timbers as would be needed for the raft, 
and Leander was eager to set out on his jour- 
ney while the wind was blowing so strong. 

As soon as he had finished his breakfast, 
Ruel wrote a short letter to his father, and 
said as he gave it to Leander : 

There is no need for you to tell that we’ve 
been having any trouble. If you’re asked 


2 i 6 The Camp on Indian Island 

about matters here, say weVe gettin’ along in 
great shape, and count on staying a week 
longer at the very least/ ^ 

'' How do you know but I want to go home 
this minute ? Larry asked sharply. 

There is nothin* to stop you from goin* with 
me, if you’re achin’ to get away,” Leander re- 
plied. Or, if you wait till I come back with 
a boat, one of us can set across any time.” 

Better go with Leander, an’ then you won’t 
get all used up luggin’ water,” Bill Dean sug- 
gested. When Hot begins to wash the 
dishes he’ll use a lot of it.” 

Larry made no reply to this suggestion, and 
the cook asked Leander how soon he counted 
on starting. 

I’ll be off in less’n half an hour, an’ if the 
storm holds bad like it is now, the wind 
oughter send me across flyin’. I did allow 
that I’d have to swim a good bit ; but ’cordin’ 
to the looks of things now, there won’t be any 
need of it. If you fellers want to see me leave 
the dock, you’d better be stirrin’ your stumps, 
’cause I shan’t hang ’round a great while 
after we get the bushes made fast.” 

Then Leander, making a small bundle of 


The Storm 


217 


his clothing, set off with it under his arm, the 
others following close behind, while Larry re- 
mained at the table looking thoroughly dis- 
pleased with the whole proceeding. He wanted 
to see the beginning of the voyage, and at the 
same time felt that, because his father owned 
Indian Island, he was of so much importance 
that some especial attention, such as inviting 
him to witness the launching of the raft, 
should be paid him. 

However, he would miss it all if he re- 
mained there waiting for his companions to 
urge him, and still feeling as sulky as he 
looked, Larry walked slowly through the 
driving rain in the direction of the shore, from 
which could be heard the sound of voices. 

Had he delayed five minutes longer the 
voyage would have been begun in his absence. 
Already Leander was making ready to push 
off from the shore, and the raft surely looked 
fit for the journey. 

It was sufficiently large to ride over the 
waves even with Leander^s weight on it, and 
each timber had been securely lashed with 
vines. 

Two thick bushes had been set up at one 


2i 8 The Camp on Indian Island 

end, to serve as sails, and amid the branches 
of these Leander had tied his bundle of 
clothing, that he might be able to present 
himself at Mr. Duffield^s boarding-house in a 
suitable costume. He also had made himself 
a rough paddle. 

‘'She^ll go all right, an' there ain't the 
least little fear but I'll be across in less'n an 
hour," Leander said to his companions. 
“ Sure you don't want Elish to come over 
after yer right away ? " 

I have told father in the letter that we 
count on staying as long as he is willing, so 
Elish needn't come until we send for him," 
Ruel replied, and Larry could not resist the 
opportunity of saying something disagreeable. 

Tell father that I want to come home jest 
as quick as he can start a boat after me," he 
cried. “ I've had all I want of this crowd, an' 
count on leavin' the minute I can get away." 

All right, I'll bring over both boats, an' 
then you can go without waitin' for Elish," 
Leander replied as he waded out to where 
Bill Dean was holding the raft away from 
the rocks, and an instant later the voyage 
was begun. 


CHAPTER XVII 


THE VOYAGE 

Immediately Bill Dean released his hold 
on the raft, she drifted off before the wind 
far more swiftly than her builders had be- 
lieved would be possible. 

The bushes at the end of the timbers acted 
admirably as a sail, and the wind was so 
strong that, as Hot Morgan said, she ** regu- 
larly flew ” over the water, while Leander 
crouched at what might have been called the 
stern, waving his hand triumphantly. 

What did I tell yer ? he shouted. “SheTl 
go across in a good deal lessen an hour, an' 
you fellers can look to see me back 'bout 
noon, that is," he added as a disagreeable 
thought occurred to him, “ if my folks don't 
say I shan't leave." 

It never came into my head that he 
mightn't be allowed to come back," Ruel said 
ruefully. Either Frank or I should have 
219 


220 


The Camp on Indian Island 

gone, for we may never have so good a 
chance to get across, after this storm has died 
away/’ 

If he don’t come he’ll send Elish over 
with the canoe, so you’ll get what grub you 
need, an’ Larry’ll have a chance to go right 
back, same’s he’s achin’ to do,” Bill Dean 
replied confidently, and Larry scowled, as if 
his companions were meditating some treach- 
ery against him. 

** I’ll make it mighty hot for you fellers 
when I do get there,” he cried with a threat- 
ening gesture, but retreated to a safe distance 
immediately Bill Dean went toward him and 
Ruel said sharply : 

You won’t do anything of the kind, 
Larry Duffield, else you’ll settle with Frank 
and me in a way that won’t be pleasant. 
We’ve straightened all this thing out, and 
don’t intend that there shall be any more of a 
snarl to it.” 

“ Don’t bother ’bout anythin’ Larry says. 
He’ll be as good as pie the next time he sees 
me in the village,” came from the raft, and 
Larry actually trembled, for he understood 
that the redoubtable Leander had heard the 


221 


The Voyage 

threat, which might have disagreeable conse- 
quences for him. 

He retreated behind a clump of bushes, as 
if believing that by thus hiding himself he 
was out of danger, and the other lads gave no 
further heed to him because they were all 
intent on watching the steady progress of the 
raft. 

The clumsy craft was making very good 
weather of it, now that her sail of fir bushes 
had brought one end around into the wind, 
and Leander appeared to have but little 
trouble in steering. 

If it wasnT rainin’, he’d go over without 
wettin’ a hair,” Bill Dean announced con- 
fidently. I’m sorry now I didn’t go with 
him.” 

Why ? ” Frank asked in surprise. 

Because it won’t be any fool of a job for 
him to row back against this wind, ’specially 
if he tows the canoe so’s to give Larry a 
chance to get home quick.” 

This latter portion of the voyage was some- 
thing to which the lads had given no thought, 
and, now that it was brought to their atten- 
tion, all began to feel uncomfortable in mind, 


222 


The Camp on Indian Island 

showing the anxiety so plainly on their faces 
that Bill said with a laugh : 

I can’t see that you need look so done 
up ’bout it. He’s certain to come some time, 
an' I reckon the perch’ll keep right on bitin’ 
whether he’s here or not. What say to goin’ 
up to the camp ? It won’t do any harm if we 
get dried out a bit, an’ I feel as if I’d been in 
soak about a week.” 

Buel lingered to watch Leander a few 
moments longer ; but that young voyager was 
getting on so well, and making such good 
headway, that it seemed really foolish to 
remain longer in the storm, therefore he 
started toward the camp, saying as he over- 
took Bill Dean : 

I’m sorry we didn’t think that he may 
have a hard time getting back, for one of us 
might have gone with him just as well as 
not.” 

I wouldn’t worry ’bout it, ’cause I don’t 
allow that Leander is fussin’ any,” and Bill 
apparently put the matter from his mind 
as he turned all his attention to drying 
out.” 

Larry followed his companions into the 


The Voyage 223 

camp, and insisted on having an equal chance 
to absorb heat from the stove ; but he had by 
no means recovered from his fit of sulks, and 
neither of the others appeared to think it 
necessary to make any attempt at soothing 
his ruffled spirits. 

Seeming to be disappointed because little or 
no attention was paid to him, he announced 
very emphatically that it was his intention to 
go home as soon as Leander came back to the 
island. 

I think that is the very best thing to do,^' 
said Ruel calmly. 

** S^posen I go, what^ll you fellers do ? 
Larry asked sharply, and Frank replied with 
a laugh : 

I reckon we’ll get along after a fashion. 
At least we shall make a big try at it ; but 
don’t fret yourself about us. Have a good 
time in the village, and you can keep in your 
mind the fact that it won’t be necessary to 
wear your life out lugging water.” 

He’ll have a good deal more’n that to do, 
when he gets where the summer boarders 
are,” Bill Dean said confidently, and from the 
expression which came over Larry’s face, it 


224 The Camp on Indian Island 

was evident that he was thoroughly well 
aware of this fact. 

Indeed, he had already told the city boys 
that he was having a snap,’^ in thus being 
hired to look after them, and his companions 
felt certain he would never leave Indian Island 
while the others remained, therefore his threat 
to return to the village did not trouble them 
greatly. 

As a matter of course, the chief topic of 
conversation was regarding Leander’s voyage, 
and the probable length of time it would re- 
quire. That he would gain the village with- 
out mishap all believed, and the only matter 
which caused any anxiety was as to whether 
it would be possible for him to pull a boat 
against the strong wind, as must be done if he 
came back before the storm abated. 

When Larry was comfortably warm, he 
laid down in one of the bunks ; but the 
other lads spent their time making the camp 
more homelike, for little or nothing had been 
done in the way of improving the general ap- 
pearance of the inside, because of the trouble 
with Leander and his following. 

Hot Morgan set about getting dinner, doing 


225 


The Voyage 

the work in a leisurely manner, and evi- 
dently counting on showing what it was pos- 
sible for him to do in the line of cookery when 
he tried. 

The noonday meal was eaten rather early 
in the forenoon, because it was ready, and 
also because there was nothing else to occupy 
their attention. Then all hands, with the ex- 
ception of Larry, who betook himself to his 
bunk as soon as he had finished dinner, 
helped the cook set the camp to rights, 
after which it was a case of lounging around 
discussing the probable whereabouts of Le- 
ander. 

The storm showed no signs of clearing 
away, and when the afternoon was about half 
spent Bill Dean announced as his firm belief 
that they would have no visitors before the 
next day. 

Lander counts on towin’ your canoe 
back, an’ he won’t be able to tackle the job in 
a gale like this.” 

Ruel and Frank were of much the same 
opinion. Nevertheless, one or another ven- 
tured out now and then during the afternoon 
to gaze over the lake in the direction of the 


226 The Camp on Indian Island 

village, but at nightfall no craft was any- 
where in sight. 

He’ll be here before to-morrow noon,” 
Ruel said as he came in from the shore, when 
it was no longer possible to see very far across 
the water because of the darkness. We may as 
well have supper, and then go to bed, in order 
to be out bright and early in the morning.” 

To this the others agreed, with the excep- 
tion of Larry, who was so deep in the sulks 
that it did not seem possible for him to speak 
to any one. 

Another meal of fried fish ; a general clear- 
ing up of the camp, and then all hands 
stretched themselves out for a long rest, with 
the belief that before another night had come 
the bill of fare would be made up of some- 
thing other than fish and salt pork. 

One would have supposed that Larry, after 
sleeping the greater portion of the day, would 
have been wakeful ; yet he closed his eyes as 
quickly as did any of the others, and it 
seemed as if the night must have nearly 
passed when the occupants of the camp were 
suddenly aroused to wakefulness by a vigor- 
ous pounding on the door. 


227 


The Voyage 

During half a minute or more all hands re- 
mained silent, not understanding the cause of 
the uproar, and then Bill Dean sprang from 
his bunk, as he cried gleefully : 

It^s Lander I He must have been rowin^ 
pretty nigh all night, an' I'm allowin' he's 
tired." 

That's what I am," Leander said emphat- 
ically, for Bill had opened the door even as he 
spoke. 

Why didn't you wait till the storm had 
cleared away?" Ruel asked, and Leander 
replied with a laugh as he entered the house 
literally staggering under the weight of two 
huge baskets : 

** When I'd got all this stuff together, it 
kinder struck me that you fellers was needin' 
somethin' more'n fried fish, an' it couldn't be 
brought any too quick. I pulled up under 
the lee of the other shore a long bit, an' then 
struck across, so it wasn't sich a terrible pull, 
though that canoe did hang back in great 
shape." 

When did you leave the village?" Bill 
Dean asked as he began to build a fire, for the 
water was running from every angle of Lean- 


228 The Camp on Indian Island 

der’s garments in a way that told he must be 
drenched to the skin. 

I started jest about sunset. Elish said I 
couldn't make it while the wind was hum- 
min' the way it is now ; but it seems a good 
deal as if I had, though I'm reckonin' it's 
near to midnight." 

“ I thought it must be almost morning, for 
it seems as if I had slept a very long while," 
and Ruel began overhauling the provisions to 
find coflee or tea in order that Leander might 
have something warm to drink. 

Before he had found either Larry jumped 
out of the bunk, pulling the basket from his 
hands, as he asked of Leander : 

Did mother make any row 'bout sendin' 
me all this stuff? " 

Nothin' to speak of, since you can't rightly 
say she sent it to you." 

** Of course she did, 'cause she wouldn't 
been packin' up a lot of things for you fellers. 
After I see what there is here, I'll tell you 
what we can have to eat," and Larry carried 
the basket to his bunk. 

Now don't be quite so fast ! " Leander said 
sharply as he took the food, replacing it on 


229 


The Voyage 

the table. “ As near as I can figger out, not 
the least little bit of that stuff belongs to you, 
Larry ” 

'' What^s the reason it don^t, if mother sent 
it ? ” Larry asked angrily. 

** She asked me when you was comin^ home, 
an^ I told her what you said ^bout startin^ the 
minute I got here, so she allowed there wasn^t 
need of anythin^ for you. Besides, ^cordin^ to 
her talk, she didn^t have much stuff cooked 
up, so the city fellers^ fathers went down to 
Baker^s shop an’ bought the biggest lot of stuff 
you ever saw. What’s in these baskets ain’t 
more’n half of it ; the rest is in the boat, an’ 
we can bring it up in the mornin’. My mother 
gave me three loaves of bread, an’ if we should 
stay here two weeks we couldn’t eat all I’ve 
brought.” 

Larry stood gazing at Leander irresolutely 
while one might have counted thirty, and then, 
turning slowly, went back to the bunk. 

I “ What did father say about our staying a 
' while longer ? ” Ruel asked. 

** He asked if you was havin’ a good time, 
an’ when I told him what you’d said ’bout 
stayin’ as long as the grub held out, he an’ the 


230 The Camp on Indian Island 

other man bought pretty nigh everythin^ 
Baker had on hand, so it looks as if they 
counted you could stop here quite a spell. 
Why, you fellers have got the greatest layout I 
ever saw — sardines, canned tongue, peaches — 
well say, I couldn^t begin to tell you all IVe 
got. There^s coffee in the basket, an^ some 
canned milk, so if Hot will get me ’bout a 
pint of it mixed up, steamin’ hot, I reckon I’ll 
feel better.” 

“ Then you brought both boats ? ” Hot 
Morgan said questioningly as he set about 
making coffee. 

Sure. Didn’t Larry say he’d have to go 
home the minute I got back? I jest had to 
bring both the boats, else what would he have 
done?” 

I want you fellers to understand right here 
that you ain’t goin’ to drive me off this island 
till I get good an’ ready to go I ” Larry shouted 
in a rage, and Frank cried as if in profound 
surprise : 

I thought you wanted to go. That’s , 
what you said when Leander left.” 

“ P’rhaps I do, an’ p’rhaps I don’t,” Larry 
said sulkily as he turned his face toward the 


The Voyage 231 

wall. ** If I wanter stay, I^m goin^ to, an^ 
that’s all there is about it.” 

Surely it was foolish to discuss any matter 
with the country lad while he was in such an 
ill humor, and, recognizing this, his compan- 
ions paid no further attention to him, un- 
til Hot Morgan had prepared a most appetiz- 
ing supper, even though it might not be 
needed, for a glimpse of the dainties in the 
baskets aroused his desire to give further evi- 
dence of his skill in cooking. 

When the food was on the table, and there 
was at least four times more than they could 
have eaten had it been fast day with them 
since Leander set off on his voyage, Larry came 
out of the bunk, seating himself before the 
bountiful supply without regard to any one 
else, and during twenty minutes or more he 
worked most industriously, helping himself 
to everything in sight. 

Then it was that Leander, having refreshed 
himself with two steaming cups of coffee, said 
much as though thinking aloud : 

'' It’s mighty lucky for the rest of us, Larry 
Duffield, that your mother couldn’t send any 
of this stuff, else I’m allowin’ you’d done your 


232 The Camp on Indian Island 

best toward makin^ some of us go hungry. 
I'm noticin', though, that you ain't at all 
bashful 'bout pitchin' inter grub that belongs 
to some other feller." 




CHAPTER XVIII 

LARRY ’S QUANDARY 

Surely it seemed to Larry as if matters 
had gone sadly awry since the day when he 
was regularly hired to ** look after the city 
boys. 

He had counted on taking entire charge of 
matters, believing they were so green” in 
the sport of camping out that it would be ab- 
solutely necessary for him to direct every 
movement, with the result that he could throw 
all the work on them without knowledge on 
their part that he was in any degree unfair. 

Then had come the encounter with Leander 
and his friends, when Larry would have sac- 
rificed everything he or his companions owned 
rather than take what seemed like the dan- 
gerous chance of standing up for his own 
rights, and these same city fellows had straight- 
ened out matters in a wonderfully short space 
of time, at the same time performing the re- 
markable feat of taming the redoubtable 
Leander. 


233 


234 The Camp on Indian Island 

Now that peace had been declared, and the 
city boys were apparently good friends with 
their late enemies, it surely seemed as if Larry 
was an outsider, and, although he might not 
have been willing to admit the fact, right down 
in the bottom of his heart he knew it was all 
owing to his own folly. 

Larry realized that he had been very foolish 
in declaring it as his intention to return home 
at the earliest opportunity. 

He didn't want to go home, but had made 
the statement intending it as a threat, foolishly 
believing the city boys would try to alter his 
decision. 

Instead of doing anything of the kind, they 
had been so cruel as to agree that it would 
be a good idea, and, as if to make the situation 
more intolerable, Leander had brought to the 
island such a collection of dainties from the 
Baker shop as made Larry’s mouth water. 
Besides, he knew full well that once at home 
he would be kept busy with this task or that, 
never being allowed an idle moment, and there 
was no question but that work and Larry 
Duffield were bitter enemies. 

As if all this was not enough to fill his cup 


235 


Larry’s Quandary 

of bitterness to the brim, Leander had repeated 
at his home the threat Larry so foolishly 
made, and the consequence was that he not 
only had no share in the tempting store of 
food, but his mother would be expecting him 
home on the morrow ; and, if he failed to 
come, it was not unreasonable to believe Elish 
would be sent in search for him. 

Therefore when he had finished his share 
of the supper he pushed back his chair an- 
grily, and went straight to bed, with, appar- 
ently, never a thought that it might be the 
proper thing for him to aid in clearing away 
the dishes after the very palatable feast. 

He might have offered to help, however, 
and been none the worse, so far as being called 
upon to do any work was concerned, for when 
Ruel and Frank proposed to help wash the 
dishes Hot Morgan stoutly refused any as- 
sistance. 

** I'll clear them away to-night, an' wash 
’em in the mornin'," he said as he began the 
task. *^This is the cook's business, an' I'm 
countin' on gettin' away with what belongs 
to the job, without callin' on any of you 
fellers." 


236 The Camp on Indian Island 

Leander and Bill seemed to think this the 
proper thing for Hot to do, and without mak- 
ing any protest, crawled into their bunks, Ruel 
and Frank following the example after seeing 
that the cook was really eager to work un- 
aided. 

Half an hour later silence reigned in the 
camp, save for the heavy breathing of the 
sleepers, and the only one who remained 
awake was Larry. 

He twisted and turned while trying to de- 
cide how it might be possible to avoid leaving 
the island when another day had come ; but, 
rack his brains as he would, no plausible 
scheme presented itself. 

Leander was the first to awaken next morn- 
ing, and the sun had already been looking 
across the water toward Indian Island a full 
hour, when he opened the door to fill his 
lungs with fresh air. 

The noise, slight though it was, aroused the 
others, and Hot Morgan said as he leaped out 
of the bunk with a clatter that would have 
awakened the soundest sleeper : 

If you fellers will bring up the rest of the 
stuff from the boat. 111 get about washin^ the 


Larry’s Quandary 237 

dishes. I'm sorry that I didn't do it last 
night." 

Better cook breakfast for Larry the first 
thing you do," Leander said with a laugh. 
“ He’ll be wantin' to get off early, before the 
breeze springs up, an' the rest of us can 
wait, seein's we had sich a late supper last 
night." 

Larry was in the act of getting out of bed, 
when Leander spoke, and he paused on the 
edge of the bunk to say angrily : 

** I want you fellers to understand that I've 
got the right to stay here jest as long as I 
like I " 

** You said you was goin', an' Lander's told 
your folks, so I don't see how you'll get out 
of it," Bill Dean replied, looking as if sur- 
prised because Larry had spoken so heatedly, 
and there was an expression of such bitter dis- 
appointment on Larry's face, that Ruel said 
quickly : 

We don't want to drive you away, Larry. 
If you'd like to stay, and are willing to do 
your share of the work, without making so 
many threats that you know can’t be carried 
out, settle down with the rest of us. If, how- 


238 The Camp on Indian Island 

ever, you are bent on making yourself dis- 
agreeable, as you have been doing, it will be 
better for all hands if you go.” 

To this Larry made no reply ; but when the 
other lads left the camp on their way to the 
shore, he followed sulkily behind, standing 
with his hands in his pockets while his com- 
panions unloaded the boat. 

Surely Leander had brought a plentiful 
supply of provisions. The boat was literally 
loaded with canned food, vegetables, and, in 
fact, a general assortment of everything Mr. 
Baker kept on sale. 

One spell it looked like we might starve 
on this island,^' Bill Dean said when the 
cargo was piled up on the shore ready to be 
taken to camp. “ But now it strikes me 
we^re in danger of eatin^ ourselves to death. 
I^m allowin^ that would be the way you’d 
rather die, eh, Larry?” 

But Larry preserved a sulky silence, and 
Leander asked, as he made a great pretense of 
putting the paddles in the canoe : 

** Shall we shove her inter the water so’s 
she’ll be all ready when you have had your 
breakfast ? ” 


239 


Larry’s Quandary 

When I want to leave I’ll tend to things 
without askin’ you to help me,” Larry said 
curtly, turning as if to retrace his steps ; but 
Ruel checked him by saying : 

Take up a load of this stuff, if you’re 
going to the camp. There’s no reason why 
you should go empty-handed.” 

To the surprise of all the lads, Larry did as 
he was bid, and on arriving at the camp, still 
further astonished them by filling all the 
pails and kettles with water, although the 
cook had not suggested that it might be 
needed. 

Bill Dean and Leander insisted on gather- 
ing the fuel, now that their services as fisher- 
men were not needed, and the city boys did 
what they might toward aiding the cook stow 
away the provisions. 

Thus it was that every one found some- 
thing with which to occupy himself, with 
the result that when breakfast was ready all 
had such appetites as forced the cook to make 
many additions to the meal. 

After breakfast all the party, except Hot 
Morgan and Larry, went into the open air in 
search of something which might afford 


240 The Camp on Indian Island 

amusement, now that they no longer felt 
obliged to spend all the time hunting for 
food. 

Ruel asked Larry to go with them ; but 
that young gentleman refused curtly, and 
when he was alone with the cook, said in a 
tone of complaint : 

“ Them fellers think they can rough inter 
me all the time ; but before we leave this 
island I^m goin^ to show ^em that they^re 
buckin^ aghn the wrong boy.^^ 

WhatTl you do?” Hot asked with mild 
curiosity. 

‘‘ I^m keepin^ that part of it to myself.” 

“ Look here, Larry,” and Horace Morgan 
paused in his task of washing the dishes to 
speak impressively. ** The trouble with you 
is that you wanter be the whole thing, an^ 
ain’t got backbone enough to carry off the 
play. What’s the use moonin’ ’round tollin’ 
what you’re goin’ to do, or makin’ out that 
you’ve got some big thing up your sleeve? 
Why, what came over Lander an’ Bill ? They 
saw it wasn’t any use to strain theirselves 
tryin’ to get ahead of the city fellers, so they 
turned to an’ chummed in with ’em.” 


Larry’s Quandary 241 

“ That’s ’cause they was afraid,” Larry in- 
terrupted. 

“Well, s^posin^ it was? Wasn^t you Afraid 
of Lander, an^ didn’t you want to give him 
everything you had here, if he’d agree not to 
make a row? There’s a chance for us to 
have the time of our lives, if we turn to an’ 
act decent. Why not try it? You ain’t 
gettin’ any fun outer sulkin’.” 

“ I’ll do what I wanter, an’ you fellers can’t 
stop me. Jest wait a spell, an’ you’ll see 
somethin’. I’ll make it mighty warm for 
this whole gang.” 

“ Look out you don’t get the biggest part 
of the heat,” Hot Morgan said, laughingly, 
and Larry cried in a passion as he opened the 
door : 

“I’ll make the whole crowd of yer sick 
’tween now an’ night, an’ don’t you forget 
it!” 

Then Larry walked stifHy out of the 
camp, and the cook was not sufficiently 
ruffied by his threats to make any effort to 
learn in which direction he went. 

After the housework had been done Hot 
went in search of his companions and found 


242 The Camp on Indian Island 

them on the shore near the boats making 
ready for a swimming match, and when Ruel 
asked for Larry the cook repeated the threat 
made by the lad. 

It’s too bad he can’t act decently,” Frank 
said irritably ; “ but if he is bent on making 
an idiot of himself, the best plan is to let him 
have his own way. Perhaps he’ll get tired 
of it after a while.” 

From that time until nearly noon the lads 
apparently gave no heed to Larry and his 
ill temper, and then, as they were walking 
toward the camp, Leander said with a laugh : 

“ We’ll find Larry stowed away in one of 
the bunks, waitin’ for dinner to be cooked.” 

To the surprise of all, the shanty was 
empty when they arrived, nor was there any 
token that it had been visited by Larry since 
the cook went to the shore. 

Even then there was no great alarm felt 
because of his absence. It was believed he 
had gone into the thicket to indulge himself 
in a fit of ill temper ; but when dinner was 
ready to serve, and Ruel had shouted himself 
hoarse without receiving any reply, the ab- 
sence of Larry began to appear strange. 


Larry’s Quandary 243 

** When he doesn’t show up at dinner time 
it comes mighty nigh bein’ a sign that some- 
thin’s gone wrong,” and Leander really 
looked anxious. 

P’rhaps he’s gone home, same’s he threat- 
ened,” Hot Morgan suggested, and Bill Dean 
replied sharply : 

He couldn’t have gone without a boat, an’ 
we’ve been close by ours all the forenoon.” 

Perhaps he waited until we had left the 
shore, and then started off in the canoe,” 
Ruel said hurriedly as he ran out of the 
camp. 

Within five minutes he had returned, look- 
ing far from comfortable in mind as he said : 

Both boats are where we left them. It is 
certain he hasn’t been near there since we 
came away.” 

** If it wasn’t that he’s stayin’ away at din- 
ner time, I’d say he had gone off where there 
wouldn’t be a show of bein’ obliged to lug 
water,” Leander said, half to himself. At 
the same time I can’t see how anythin’ could 
have happened to him on this island, without 
our havin’ heard somethin’ ’bout it.” 

Better get yer dinner while it’s hot,” said 


244 The Camp on Indian Island 

the cook solicitously. “ It’s a bang up good 
one, an^ there^s no cause to let it spoil. I 
reckon hell come back before we’re through 
eatin’.” 

Ruel believed this to be good advice, and 
seated himself at the table in token that his 
comrades do the same ; but, even though the 
meal was all the cook had claimed for it, no 
one enjoyed himself much because of the 
strange absence. 

Although Larry had not proven an agree- 
able companion at camping out, the lads 
were seriously alarmed concerning him, and 
Ruel said when the dinner was brought to a 
hasty end : 

We must find out why he has stayed 
away so long. It won’t take a great while to 
hunt the island over thoroughly, and we’ll 
get about it at once.” 


CHAPTER XIX 


THE SEARCH 

Now that Larry was missing, the threat he 
had made, and to which Hot Morgan paid lit- 
tle or no attention at the time, seemed omi- 
nous to the anxious boys as they recalled the 
words. 

He said that he ** would make the whole 
crowd sick before night,^’ and surely he had 
succeeded better than, perhaps, he had ever 
done before. No one believed he was remain- 
ing away voluntarily, and it was impossible 
he could have left the island, because both the 
boats yet remained hauled up on the shore, 
but what had become of him no one could so 
much as guess. 

The long absence was most mysterious, and, 
repeating for at least the twentieth time the 
words of the threat, Leander asked, his face 
paling with fear : 

Do you s^pose he^s gone an^ — an^ Do 

you reckon he^d have the nerve to drown him- 
self? 


245 


246 The Camp on Indian Island 

“Of course he wouldn't,” Ruel replied in 
what he intended should be a tone of convic- 
tion, but his voice trembled despite all efforts 
to render it steady, and involuntarily he 
gazed toward the shore of the lake. 

“ It don't seem as if he had the backbone 
to do anythin' of the kind, but yet where is 
he?'' and Bill Dean looked nervously over 
his shoulder, as if fearing there might be some 
one near at hand ready to do him harm. 

“ He surely wouldn't do that,'' Frank 
added, as if to assure himself rather than the 
others, and Ruel, understanding that his com- 
panions were rapidly working themselves into 
a nervous frame of mind when the lightest 
trifles would appear like horrible realities, 
said with a show of firmness : 

“ It won't do any good to stand here talk- 
ing silly. Of course he is on the island, and 
it's certain he hasn't been so crazy as to drown 
himself '' 

“ Then where is he? '' Frank demanded. 

“ That's a question I can't answer, as you 
know very well. It may be he is hiding in 
order to frighten us. That is what he must 
be doing, and if " 


The Search 


247 


If he’s playin’ any sich funny tricks as 
that I’ll make certain he’ll be sorry for it 
when we do come across him,” Leander inter- 
rupted with a threatening gesture. 

We’ll begin at the shore, and make a 
clean sweep straight across the island,” Ruel 
^ continued, “ and when we find him, Leander 
won’t be the only one who will take a hand 
at making him sorry for having played such 
a mean trick. Come on, and let’s finish the 
job as soon as possible.” 

The boys walked rapidly to that portion of 
the shore where the boats had been hauled 
out, and there, under Ruel’s direction, they 
formed a line, each from twelve to fifteen feet 
distant from the other, thus being able to 
cover a wide stretch as they marched straight 
toward the opposite shore. 

It was not easy to keep the formation, be- 
cause of the many thickets through which it 
was necessary to crawl in order to avoid mak- 
ing a circle around, but Ruel insisted on their 
walking so slowly that it would not be pos- 
sible for Larry to give them the slip in case 
he was awaiting such an opportunity. 

He is in some one of these clumps of 


248 The Camp on Indian Island 

bushes, hoping to keep snug until we have 
passed him, therefore when either of you 
come to a dense thicket take plenty of time to 
make certain he isn’t hiding there. We 
needn’t hurry, for it won’t pay to give him 
the satisfaction of fooling us.” 

There was little need to thus caution the 
searchers. Before setting out there had been 
a fear in the minds of all that some serious 
harm had come to Larry Duffield ; but now 
that these steps had been taken to find him, 
every fellow felt convinced he was voluntarily 
hiding himself, and each burned with a desire 
to teach the foolish fellow a lesson that would 
not soon be forgotten. 

Therefore it was that the search was con- 
ducted in a most thorough manner, and no 
clump of bushes, however small, was passed 
unheeded, but when they had searched every 
part of the island, and nothing had been seen 
of the missing lad, the boys stood silently gaz- 
ing into each others’ faces as if neither dared 
to speak. 

'‘Well,” Leander cried irritably, "what’re 
we waitin’ here for? Of course we missed 
him somehow, but he’s bound to be here 


The Search 


249 

somewhere, an^ when we do snake him out, 
I^m promisin^ he won’t feel good.” 

It was as if this threat served to allay the 
undefinable fear which had begun to creep 
over every member of the party when the 
searchers were thus baffled, and Bill Dean did 
his best to laugh as he said : 

I’d never believed Larry Duffleld could 
have fooled us so long, but it’ll be all the 
worse for him when we do finish the hunt. 
Which way do we go this time?” and he 
turned to Ruel. 

‘^Suppose we begin at the shore where 
Leander started when he went over to the 
village ? That will take us across the island 
at right angles to the way we have been 
going, and we’re bound to smoke him out 
somewhere.” 

The boys obeyed this suggestion as if eager 
for action, and at a swift pace they hurried 
down to that part of the shore where the raft 
had been built. 

** Make a longer line, so that we can sweep 
the island from one shore to the other,” Ruel 
cried. ‘‘ We’ll keep just within sight of 
each other, and make certain not to pass any 


2^0 The Camp on Indian Island 

thick clump of bushes without knowing what 
may be hidden there.” 

Once more did the boys set about the work, 
this time moving even more carefully than 
before, if, indeed, that could be possible, and 
again they emerged from the thicket to the 
water’s edge without having seen anything of 
the missing lad. 

Now no one tried to hide his fear. There 
was no longer a possibility in their minds 
that Larry could be on the island, and 
Leander appeared to be trying to swallow 
something when Ruel said in a half whis- 
per : 

We’ll go right around the island on the 
shore. If he — if anything has happened to 
the poor fellow we’ll be sure to find some 
signs of it along the water’s edge.” 

There was no longer any question in the 
minds of the boys but that something very 
serious had happened, and they moved slowly 
along, keeping their eyes riveted on the sand 
for tokens of a tragedy, fearing, yet expect- 
ing, soon to come upon that which would tell 
beyond a doubt that Larry had met with a 
fatal accident. 


The Search 


251 


Every ripple on the sand was scrutinized 
closely ; the root of a tree, that had floated in 
near the shore, caused an exclamation of fear 
as Leander ran forward to examine it. 

Twenty times did one or the other see that 
which he believed was the lifeless body of the 
missing lad, only to find himself happily 
mistaken, and a complete circuit of the island 
was made without their having found the 
slightest clew as to his whereabouts. 

I believe we have traveled over every 
inch of this place, and no matter how snugly 
he may have hidden himself, we should have 
found him if he was here,'' Ruel said in a 
low tone, and Hot Morgan edged up very 
close to Leander, as if fearing some harm 
might come to him if he remained apart from 
the others. 

But he's got to be here ! " Bill Dean cried 
emphatically. '' He never would have taken 
the chances of swimmin' ; he hadn't had time 
to build a raft, an' both boats are where we 
left 'em, so how could he leave?" 

** Do you think he's hiding, and we didn't 
chance to come upon him? " Frank asked in 
a half whisper, and Bill replied in a loud 


252 The Camp on Indian Island 

tone, as if he needed the sound of his own 
voice to give him courage : 

It don^t seem as if we could have slipped 
him, an^ yet we know he’s bound to be some- 
where ’round here, seein’s he hadn’t any 
wings.” 

I’ll agree that he’s got the best of me, if 
he’s hidin’ on this island after all our 
searchin’,” Leander said half to himself as he 
wiped the perspiration from his forehead. 

’Cordin’ to what I’ve seen of Larry Duffield, 
he wouldn’t dare to stay alone very long, an’ 
I can’t believe he ever had any idee of 
hidin’.” 

Then where is he ? ” Bill Dean asked irri- 
tably, and Leander replied with a sigh : 

“ I wish I knew, ’cause if we agree that he 
ain’t to be found by us, it’s a case of goin’ 
over to the village an’ tellin’ his folks the 
whole story, so’s they can say what oughter 
be done.” 

Until this moment neither Ruel nor Frank 
had realized that it might be necessary to 
make a report to Larry’s parents, but now 
Leander had suggested it, both understood 
that they would not be warranted in linger- 


The Search 


253 

ing many moments after having decided it 
was useless to continue the search. 

''Who will go over?''Ruel asked after a 
brief pause, and the lads gazed at each other 
inquiringly ; but no one ventured to make a 
suggestion, until Leander said hesitatingly, as 
if not quite certain he was willing to act 
upon his own proposition : 

" 111 pull the boat, if somebodyll go up to 
the house an^ tell his mother, after we get 
there. 

" Of course one of you city fellersll do it, 
seein^s how youle livin’ there,” Bill Dean 
said decidedly, and in a tone of relief because 
of having thus excused himself from taking 
any part in the sorrowful business. 

"What do you say, Frank?” and Ruel 
looked inquiringly at his cousin. "Are 
you willing to go if Leander will row the 
boat?” 

"You’re the one who ought to tell the 
folks,” Frank replied quickly. " I wouldn’t 
know what to say. I’ll stay here so’s to be 
ready to help when his father comes.” 

Involuntarily the lads had turned their 
steps toward the camp when the search on 


254 The Camp on Indian Island 

the shore was come to an end, and now were 
within a short distance of the spring. 

When Frank said that Ruel was the one 
who ought to carry the mournful tidings to 
Larry’s home, his cousin came to a full stop, 
as if the mere suggestion was painfully dis- 
agreeable ; and at the moment when all were 
gazing inquiringly at him, and in silence, a 
faint noise, not unlike the groans of a human 
being, could suddenly be heard in the 
distance. 

The boys started in alarm, looked around 
timidly, and then, coming closer together as 
if for mutual protection, stood gazing at each 
other, neither venturing to speak. 

While one might have counted twenty the 
silence was unbroken, and then, once more, 
could be heard the faint moaning as of a 
person in distress. 

That’s Larry I ” Ruel cried sharply, and 
the sound of his own voice went far toward 
allaying the fear which was creeping into the 
hearts of all, for there was so much of mystery 
attached to the disappearance of the lad that 
their courage had fled long since. 

“ I tell you it must have been Larry who 


The Search 


255 


made that noise I ” Ruel cried a moment later, 
after waiting in vain for his companions to 
speak. 

“ It can’t be. We’ve been over every inch 
of this place without findin’ hide nor hair of 
him,” said Leander. 

“ Don’t be so stupid ! ” and now it was Ruel 
who displayed signs of irritation. It’s bound 
to be Larry, for there’s no other person here 
except ourselves. We didn’t make as close a 
search as was counted on, and he’s among the 
bushes somewhere. Come with me I Most 
likely he has been hurt so badly that he can’t 
crawl into sight ! ” 

“ But who could hurt him ? ” Hot Morgan 
asked, and it seemed much as though his 
own question gave him yet further cause for 
alarm, for he hung back as if in fear. 

“We can find that out later ; but it is of no 
use to stand here talking about it,” and Ruel 
set off in the direction from which the noise 
had come, Leander and Bill pressing close at 
his heels, while Horace Morgan lagged behind. 

“ Hello-0-0-0 ! Larry ! Hello-0-0-0 I ” Ruel 
cried as he advanced, and at the first sound 
of his voice Hot Morgan leaped backward in 


256 The Camp on Indian Island 

alarm ; but, speedily understanding the cause 
of the outcry, he began to call the name of 
the missing boy, and, as Leander afterward 
said, it did him solid good to be able to make 
a noise. 

Straight across the island the boys walked, 
until they were nearly at the opposite shore, 
without having seen or heard anything, and 
then, as they came to a halt in obedience to 
Ruehs example, the moaning sound was heard 
directly behind them, whereupon Bill Dean 
demanded angrily, as if believing his com- 
panions could answer the question : 

I^d like to know the meanin^ of all this 
funny business ? Larry must be up in a tree, 
an^ is tryin^ to make a fool of us, else some- 
body has landed here without our knowin^ it.^^ 

** Don^t talk like a silly ! ” and Leander 
wiped the perspiration from his face in a way 
which told plainly of his perplexity. ‘‘ If 
anybody had come, we^d seen their boat, an' 
if Larry has been up a tree all this time, 
makin' fools of us, it'll be the sorriest job he 
ever tackled ! I'll have him out this time, or 
know the reason why ! " 

Then Leander retraced his steps, looking 


The Search 


257 


amid the foliage without giving any heed as 
to where he walked, with the result that be- 
fore he had taken twenty steps his toes caught 
under a treacherous root, throwing him head- 
long, and in nowise bettering his temper. 

Wait till I get hold of you, Larry Duf- 
field ! ” he called angrily. If you won't be 
the sickest feller that ever saw Caughnawaga 
Lake, then I'm way out of my reckonin'." 

In the meanwhile the other lads had been 
peering among the branches of the trees, 
rather than giving heed to what might be 
beneath their feet, and when Leander had 
done with making threats, the noise as of 
some one groaning could be heard close at 
hand. 

Now even the city boys began to appear 
uncomfortable in mind, and surely they had 
good cause. It seemed certain they had gone 
over every foot of the island in careful search 
without discovering any place in which even 
a cat might have remained hidden from view, 
and there were no trees near at hand where a 
lad as large as Larry could have found refuge. 


CHAPTER XX 


THE CAVE 

There was no question but that the city as 
well as the country boys were frightened when 
a series of groans appeared to answer Leander’s 
threats against the missing Larry. 

It surely seemed as if .the noise had come 
from beneath their feet, and they stood gazing 
at each other in silent dismay, hardly daring 
to look around lest some terrible sight be seen. 

Until now, no one save Hot Morgan had 
given signs of fear, but from this moment 
there was never a fellow in the party who 
made any effort to conceal the fact that he 
was thoroughly well frightened. 

While one might have counted twenty the 
five lads stood silent and motionless, gazing 
into their companions^ faces and unconsciously 
moving nearer each other as if for mutual 
protection. Then Leander, speaking with evi- 
dent difficulty, and moistening his lips with 
his tongue nervously, asked of Ruel : 

258 


The Cave 


259 

“ What’ll we do ? It’s certain Larry ain’t 
anywhere ’round here, an’ I don’t like that 
funny kind of a noise, ’cause it can’t be a 

bird or a animal ” 

Then what is it?” Bill Dean interrupted. 
“ I ain’t stuck on bangin’ ’round this bloomin’ 
island when sich a racket is goin’ on, an’ if 
you fellers wan ter twit me with bein’ scared, 
you won’t be cornin’ far from what’s a fact ! ” 

It was as if this confession of Bill’s unloos- 
ened the tongues of the others, and Frank 
said in a tremulous voice : 

I did think I wanted to stay here a while, 
now we’ve got everything fixed about as it 
should be, but I’m willin’ to pull out this 
very minute if the rest of you say the word.” 

“ I’ll say it mighty quick,” Hot Morgan 
squeaked in a thin, frightened tone as he 
pushed his way between Leander and Ruel. 
*‘It don’t take but a little of this kind of 
business to give me all I want.” 

Ruel understood that the others were ex- 
pecting him to take the lead in whatever was 
done, and while it was not pleasing to confess 
that he was afraid to remain on the island, it 
seemed as if there was nothing left but to take 


26o The Camp on Indian Island 

to their heels lest some mysterious danger 
suddenly confront them. 

“ It seems as if we were showing ourselves 
childish to be scared away by a noise, and yet 
when we keep hearing what sounds like some 
one groaning and can't find out what is mak- 
ing it, we wouldn't be very comfortable on 
the island, especially after dark." 

“ Then we'll go right away ? " and Hot 
looked wonderfully relieved in mind ; but a 
cloud of fear came over his face when Ruel 
added : 

“ As I look at it, we are cowardly to run 
off before finding out what has become of 
Larry. I believe we ought to send over to 
the village and wait here till Mr. Dufiield 
comes. Then if we want to go, it won't seem 
like a mean trick." 

I'll start right off an' tell Larry's folks 
that they're needed here mighty bad I " 
Horace Morgan cried. It won't take me 
such a dreadful while to paddle across in the 
canoe, an' the folks from the village can get 
here before dark." 

Hot would have started at full speed for 
the shore where the boats had been left but 


The Cave 


261 

for Ruel, who said sharply, and as if he had 
suddenly decided upon his course of action : 

“ Let’s wait till we make one more search, 
and if after we have hunted all through these 
thickets again we find no signs of Larry, well 
all go to the village.” 

Then don’t let’s hang ’round here any 
longer,” Leander said, impatiently. I’d be 
willin’ to leave this very minute, an’ have 
every feller in town call me a ’fraid cat ; but 
if you say it’s to be more searchin’, come on, 
so’s to finish the job as soon as possible.” 

As he spoke Leander plunged into a thicket 
of fir bushes close at hand, and the others 
were forming in line to conduct the search as 
it had been begun, when a sharp cry from 
Leander, followed by a sound as of some one 
scrambling desperately among the foliage, 
caused them to halt very suddenly, while 
their faces paled with fear. 

Jump in an’ give me a hand here,” came 
in a stified voice from the thicket. “ There’s 
a big hole here, an’ I’m ’bout half way inter 

it ! Move quick, or I’ll be ” 

The sentence was not finished, for at that 
instant came a noise as of a heavy body fall- 


262 The Camp on Indian Island 

ing, followed by the dull swish of earth as it 
pours down a declivity. 

While one might have counted ten the 
boys stood staring at each other in amaze- 
ment and fear, to be startled into a con- 
sciousness of the situation by hearing Le- 
ander cry indistinctly, as if he was half 
smothered : 

Come on, you fellers, else we’ll be 
smothered to death. Larry’s here, an’ he 
acts as if he was a good deal more’n half 
dead I ” 

** Where are you ? ” Ruel cried, as he ran 
forward swiftly, the others following his 
example, and Leander could be faintly heard 
as he replied : 

“ Down here in a hole. It’s a reg’lar trap, 
an’ there’s a whole lot of stuff in here.” 

What kind of stuff? ” Frank asked 
excitedly ; but Leander was not in the mood 
for giving details. 

It’ll be time enough to find all that out 
after you’ve pulled us up. I ain’t certain but 
that Larry’s in a bad way, an’ we oughter do 
somethin’ for him mighty quick.” 

By this time Ruel had made his way to 


The Cave 


263 

the very edge of what appeared to be a deep 
hole in the midst of a dense thicket, and was 
trying in vain to peer down ; but the gloom 
was so profound that he could not distinguish 
any object. 

Can you get hold of my hand ? '' he 
asked, as he thrust his arm into the excava- 
tion. “I can’t make out how deep down you 
are.” 

^^It seems as if I slid a long ways; but 
there was so much earth came down with me, 
that I didn’t strike very hard on the bottom. 
Larry is lyin’ across a lot of boxes, an’ I can’t 
seem to get any sense inter him.” 

** I ain’t hurt so very much ; but I began to 
think I’d be left here to die,” Larry could be 
heard saying in a faint voice. When I 
tried to climb up the sides the dirt caved in, 
till I’d got a good many falls.” 

Why didn’t you yell to us?” Frank 
asked. 

^‘Yell? That’s ’bout all I’ve been doin’ 
ever since I fell in here, till it’s as much as I 
can do to talk out loud,” and now one could 
guess, from the tone of his voice, that Larry 
was growing irritable. 


264 The Camp on Indian Island 

** It^s no use” Leander shouted. I’ve 
been tryin’ to get hold of your hand ; but it 
must be a good deal higher than I can reach. 
You’ll have to get a rope.” 

** I don’t believe there is such a thing on 
the island,” Ruel replied mournfully, for by 
this time he was beginning to believe that the 
situation was far more serious than it at first 
appeared. 

Take the painters from both boats. By 
tyin’ ’em together you oughter have enough 
to reach the bottom of this place, for it can’t 
be more’n twelve or fifteen feet deep, ’cordin’ 
to the looks of the top.” 

I’ll tend to that job I ” Hot Morgan 
shouted, and before any one could speak he 
was off, running at full speed in the direction 
of the shore. 

How did you happen to fall into that 
place, Larry ? ” called Ruel. 

“ I tumbled in, same’s Leander did.” 

‘‘ But what was you doin’ in this clump of 
bushes?” Bill Dean demanded sharply. “It’s 
so thick that a feller can’t much more’n push 
his way through.” 

“ I tumbled inter the hole same’s Leander 


The Cave 


265 

did/’ Larry replied evasively, and the tone 
of his voice caused Leander to suspect the 
truth. 

You allowed to crawl inter the bushes an’ 
hide, so’s to make us think somethin’ had 
gone wrong ! ” Leander cried angrily. 

I wasn’t jest thinkin’ of it that way,” 
Larry replied, hesitatingly, and Bill Dean 
shouted : 

“ Tell the truth for once in yer life, Larry 
Duffield ! You’d never stuck your nose inter 
such a clump of firs as this, if it hadn’t been 
to hide from us ! ” 

Waal, p’rhaps I did count on keepin’ 
outer sight a spell, ’cause it seemed as if all 
hands of you tried to jump on a feller, no 
matter how square he was actin’,” Larry 
finally admitted, and Leander said angrily : 

I have been feelin’ mighty sorry on your 
account, thinkin’ you’d hurt yourself bad ; 
but now that we’re gettin’ at the truth of the 
business, I’m hopin’ you got a full dose. 
Playin’ the baby by hidin’ in the bushes jest 
’cause the rest of us wanted you to do your 
share of the work I It would have been ’bout 
the right thing if you’d broke your leg.” 


266 The Camp on Indian Island 

I ain’t certain but I have,” Larry whined, 
and Leander interrupted him to say, savagely : 

You know a bloomin’ sight better. ’Cordin’ 
to the way you’ve been squirmin’ ’round since 
I struck the bottom of this place, you’re sound 
as a nut. An’ to think that jest ’cause of 
your foolishness we’ve been racin’ all over 
this island lookin’ for your dead body I It 
would serve you quite right to leave you here 
till you’d had enough of playin’ the baby I ” 

I’ve had enough already,” Larry whined, 
and the arrival of Hot Morgan with the 
painters from both boats put an end, for the 
time being, to the reproaches of his comrades. 

^‘Here are the ropes,” Ruel called to the 
imprisoned lads. I’ll send down one end 
so you can see if we have length enough.” 

“ All right ; lower away,” Leander cried 
impatiently, and an instant later he added, 
“ I’ve got it all right, so stand by to haul in. 
I’ll make this end fast under Larry’s arms, 
so’s there won’t be any question ’bout yankin’ 
him out, an’ then I can come up hand over 
hand, after I’ve had a look at this stuff here. 
Now, then, pull away, an’ once you’ve got 
him out, put him where he won’t do hisself 


The Cave 267 

any harm, for he ain’t to be trusted by him- 
self for a little minute.’^ 

It was a short job to hoist Larry out, and, 
if the truth must be known, the lads on the 
surface were not gentle in their handling of 
him, remembering how much anxiety and 
alarm he had caused them. 

Larry came up looking much the worse for 
wear. His clothes were torn in a dozen places, 
and the many scratches on his hands and face 
told of the fruitless efforts made to clamber 
unaided out of the trap which, as Bill Dean 
said, had been set for fellers what hadn’t 
any sense.” 

“ I thought one spell I’d have to stay till I 
died I ” he cried as he came to the surface. 
‘‘ It was awful in that hole all alone.” 

Worse than it would have been in camp, 
where you’d had to lug as many as two pails 
of water in a day ? ” Bill Dean asked mock- 
ingly as he seized Larry by the coat collar to 
pull him over the edge of the excavation. 

Look here, fellers,” Larry said implor- 
ingly, as he made his way with considerable 
difficulty out through the thicket into the 
sunlight, “ I know it was a mighty mean 


268 The Camp on Indian Island 

trick for me to play ; but Tve been paid out 
in great shape, an’ you won’t find me makin’ 
such a mistake ag’in.” 

“ If that’s the case it’s a mighty good thing 
you tumbled inter the trap,” Bill Dean mut- 
tered half to himself, and then shouted to 
Leander, ** Are you ready to come up, old 
man ? ” 

“First I want to find out what there is 
down here. Can’t one of you run over to the 
camp for a candle ? ” 

“ Sure, but what do you care ’bout the 
stuff? I’m allowin’ it’s only a lot of rocks 
an’ roots, ’cause there couldn’t be anythin’ 
else in such a place.” 

“ It’s more’n that, an’ I’m beginnin’ to be- 
lieve I can guess what it is. Hurry on with 
the candle, for if I ain’t makin’ the biggest 
kind of a mistake, there’s a chance for us to 
scoop in a hundred dollars ! ” 

“ What do you mean ? ” Ruel cried in per- 
plexity, and Leander replied impatiently : 

“ Send one of the fellers after the candle, 
an’ I’ll soon tell yer. Don’t hang ’round 
talkin’, for there’s no tollin’ how soon some- 
body will come to break up the game I ” 


The Cave 


269 

** What does he mean ? ’’ Frank asked won- 
deringly of Bill, and the latter cried in a tone 
of mingled anger and amazement : 

It beats me, an’ that’s the fact. P’rhaps 
he hurt hisself tumbling in, an’ has gone off 
his head. Skip out for a candle. Hot. It 
begins to look as if this bloomin’ island had 
set everybody by the ears ! ” 

Horace Morgan started off at full speed 
toward the camp, and Larry followed limp- 
ingly and feebly, as if having received serious 
injuries during his imprisonment, but dis- 
playing no curiosity as to the meaning of 
Leander’s odd commands. 

Ain’t you going to wait till we find out 
what there is in the hole?” Frank asked 
laughingly, as Larry limped away, and the 
lad replied sulkily : 

“ I’ve had all I want of the place, an’ a 
good deal more I Lander can stay there till 
he’s gray-headed, if it’ll do him any good ; 
but I’m through. Seems like I was starvin’ I ” 


CHAPTER XXI 


A DISCOVEKY 

Hot did not return immediately with the 
candle, and, as may well be supposed, the 
curiosity of the boys who were gathered 
around the excavation was aroused to a high 
pitch by Leander’s words. 

How can there be a chance for us to scoop 
in a hundred dollars, no matter what he 
may have found down there Frank asked 
in perplexity, and Bill Dean replied in a 
whisper : 

“ He's hurt hisself tumblin' inter the place, 
I tell yer, an' has gone clean off his base. Of 
course there ain't a chance for us to make a 
single cent, no matter how many holes we 
find on this bloomin' island ; but he's got the 
cranky idee inter his head, an' I've allers 
heard that when folks gets funny, same's he 
is, the only way is to make out that you are 
in the same box." 

Then Bill Dean, with a view to soothing 
the supposedly unfortunate Leander, leaned 
270 


A Discovery 271 

far over the excavation, as he said in a par- 
ticularly cheerful tone : 

I reckon you won^t mind waitin’ a spell, 
seein’s how Hot ain’t any great on speed ; 
but he’ll come after a spell, an’ then you can 
have a whack at that hundred dollars you’ve 
been tellin’ about.” 

It was evident that Leander was surprised 
by hearing his comrade speak in such a 
wheedling tone, for he asked sharply : 

What’s the matter with you. Bill Dean? 
You’re talkin’ like as if one of us was a baby.” 

“That’s all right. Lander; I’m stickin’ to 
yer every minute, no matter what turns up. 
We’ll have that hundred dollars when Hot 
gets back with the candle.” 

“What do you know ’bout it?” and 
Leander’s tone was almost threatening. 
Whereupon Bill made certain gestures with 
his fingers, touching his own forehead signifi- 
cantly in explanation to Ruel, that Leander 
Leighton was indeed in a very bad way men- 
tally, and replied, as if talking to a child : 

“ I’ve got the whole thing down fine, old 
man, an’ am countin’ on standin’ right be- 
hind you, no matter what happens.” 


272 The Camp on Indian Island 

You're crazy ! " Leander roared in angry 
tones. I'd like to know what's the matter 
with you, anyway. Here, let down that rope, 
an' pull me out ! If you're gettin' queer in 
the head it's time somebody was givin' you a 
shakin' up. Pass me the rope ! " 

He's got everythin' mixed," Bill whis- 
pered to Frank, an' I'm almost afraid to let 
him out, for there's no knowin' what he'll 
do I" 

“ He seems to know what he's talking 
about," Frank replied in perplexity, ‘*and 
even if he " 

Send down that rope I " Leander shouted 
savagely. ** I don't count on stayin' down 
here while you're actin' so much like an 
idiot 1 " 

There's nothing the matter with Bill," 
Ruel said as he lowered the rope, but there's 
no reason why you shouldn't come up. Per- 
haps it is the best thing you can do, for I'd 
like to know what you meant by scooping in 
a hundred dollars." 

Hold that rope taut, an' I'll soon tell you 
what I mean," Leander said sharply, and 
Ruel had no more than time to obey before 


A Discovery 273 

he was swarming up, hand over hand, so vig- 
orously that all three of the lads were forced 
to put forth their utmost strength in order to 
withstand the strain. 

“Now what’s the matter?” Leander de- 
manded of Bill Dean, when he was on the 
surface once more. 

“ There ain’t anythin’ wrong with me,” was 
the prompt reply. 

“ Then what did you mean by sayin’ you 
knew all ’bout the hundred dollars ? ” 

“ Didn’t you say there was a chance to 
scoop it in?” Bill began hesitatingly, and 
Ruel, understanding that there was likely to 
be serious trouble between the two if the 
matter were not explained promptly, said 
frankly : 

“ You may as well know that Bill had be- 
gun to be afraid you’d gone wrong in your 
head and was trying to soothe you, I sup- 
pose.” 

“ Me wrong? ” Leander cried in perplexity. 
“ What made him think that? ” 

“ ’Cause you was makin’ wild talk ’bout 
scoopin’ in a hundred dollars when you 
couldn’t make that much if you should sell 


274 The Camp on Indian Island 

the whole bloomin^ island I Bill replied 
stoutly. 

Leander looked at his partner in silence 
while one might have counted twenty, and 
then burst into a hearty laugh. 

“Thought I’d gone loony, eh? Say, Bill, 
you ain’t more’n half as smart as some folks 
think you are. How much did Nahum 
Baker offer to give if the stuff what was stole 
outer his store last June could be brought 
back to him? ” 

“ A hundred dollars — Leander I Is that 
the stuff down there ? ” 

“That’s what I’m thinkin’. There are a 
lot of boxes an’ bundles, as nigh as I can 
make out, an’ if it ain’t what the burglars 
took I’m askin’ what it is? ” 

Neither Ruel nor Frank had a very clear 
idea of what their companions were talking 
about until Leander condescended to explain 
that two months previous burglars had en- 
tered the shop of Mr. Baker, stealing therefrom 
a large lot of goods, and the trader had of- 
fered a reward of one hundred dollars for the 
recovery of the same, together with a like 
amount for the arrest of the thieves. 


A Discovery 275 

Leander declared that the hole into which 
he had fallen while trying to find Larry was 
partially filled with what appeared to be an 
assortment of merchandise, and it was no 
more than reasonable to suppose this excava- 
tion might have been made, or found, by the 
burglars, otherwise how account for the goods ? 

It surely seems as if you might have 
stumbled upon the thieves^ hiding-place ; but 
yet there may be no more than a lot of empty 
boxes,'^ Ruel said thoughtfully, and Leander 
asked promptly : 

“ Who'd take the trouble to bury a lot of 
boxes on this island ? 

The arrival of Hot Morgan with a candle 
put an end to what might have become an 
argument, and Leander hurriedly made his 
preparations for descending to examine that 
which had been come upon through Larry's 
ill temper. 

Both Frank and Bill Dean were eager to 
assist him in the work ; but he insisted that 
more than one at the bottom of the excava- 
tion would prevent the search from being 
made in a thorough manner, and appealed to 
Ruel. 


276 The Camp on Indian Island 

It is Leander's right to have the handling 
of whatever may be below there,” Ruel said 
firmly. “ He is right when he says no more 
than one can work to advantage, and we will 
wait here till he has done.” 

ril send everythin’ up as fast as I can 
overhaul it,” Leander added. Then you’ll 
really have the first sight of the stuff,” and 
without waiting to parley longer, he slipped 
down the rope, which he had already made 
fast to the stoutest of the bushes. 

If the lads had been excited before one may 
well fancy in what frame of mind they were 
when it seemed certain they had come upon a 
burglar’s storehouse, and they overhung the 
opening, hardly daring to breathe lest the de- 
lightful spell of adventure be broken. 

Hot Morgan, who had not heard Leander’s 
statement, plied Bill Dean with questions, but 
that young gentleman was in no mood to go 
into details. 

“ Just keep quiet till we see what comes 
up,” he said in a tremulous whisper. ** I 
couldn’t talk to my own mother while we’re 
waitin’ to find out if Lander has got the thing 
down right.” 


A Discovery 277 

‘^What thing? What does he think there 
is in the hole ? Hot persisted, but Bill gave 
no further heed to him, for at that instant 
Leander shouted : 

Haul in on the rope, an^ then tell me 
whether I was makin^ any fancy guesses ? If 
this don^t bring us in the hundred dollars 
Nahum Baker offered, then 1^11 eat my hat, 
an’ his, too I ” 

The boys eagerly did as had been directed, 
and when a small wooden box, bearing the 
inscription : “ N. Baker, Lake Caughnawaga,” 
was brought into view. Bill Dean gave vent 
to a whoop of triumph. 

** That’s the stuff, all right I ” he cried. 

How much more can you find down 
there ? ” 

“ I can’t tell exactly, ’cause while Larry 
was flounderin’ ’round in here he pulled a lot 
of dirt down, coverin’ everythin’ five or six 
inches deep. ’Cordin’ to what I can feel, I’d 
say there was more’n we could put inter one 
of the boats. Lower the rope ; it’ll be a big 
job to take it all out, an’ we won’t have any 
too much time before night.” 

Ruel, who had been looking critically at 


278 The Camp on Indian Island 

the box before him, now interrupted the 
excited Leander by calling down to him : 

If you and Bill feel certain this has been 
stolen from Mr. Baker, it strikes me that the 
best thing you can do is to let him see the 
goods just as you found them. Perhaps the 
burglars didn’t leave all the plunder on the 
island, and if you don’t disturb what’s below, 
the owner can’t accuse us of having taken 
any for our own use.” 

I’d like to hear him sayin’ we took any 
of the stuff I ” Leander cried angrily, and Bill 
Dean added hotly : 

He couldn’t do that, ’cause if we wanted 
to play funny with him there wouldn’t be a 
need of lettin’ anybody know what we’d 
found.” 

All that is true enough, but it seems to 
me you’d be wiser to let him see everything 
just as you found it,” Ruel said earnestly. 

I don’t allow that Frank and I have any- 
thing to say in the matter, for you were the 
one to hit upon it, and, because this box has 
his name on it, you are not far off in assum- 
ing that all the stuff is his.” 

I’d like to know why you haven’t as 




A Discovery 279 

much to say about this thing as either Bill or 
me ? We^re one crowd, or have been since 
we fellers got the worst of bein^ funny with 
you, an^ if there’s a hundred dollars cornin’ 
outer this business you’ll have your share.” 

** That wouldn’t be fair,” Frank cried, and 
Bill Dean began to give his views on the sub- 
ject, but Leander interrupted him by shout- 
ing peremptorily : 

Pull me up ! We’ll settle matters before 
goin’ any further, an’ I don’t seem to have my 
share of the chinnin’ while I’m in this hole.” 

Larry Duffield must have heard at least a 
portion of this conversation, and understood 
that something of importance was afoot, for, 
forgetting that he had had enough of the 
place, and was starving,” he came at full 
speed from the camp, arriving at the excava- 
tion just as Leander was drawn up from the 
pit the second time. 

“ What’s goin’ on here ? ” he demanded 
sharply, but no one save Hot Morgan seemed 
to realize that he was present. 

^‘What’s the matter?” he demanded irri- 
tably. “What’re you fellers makin’ sich a 
fuss about ? ” 


28o The Camp on Indian Island 

Leander has found the stuff that the 
burglars stole from Nahum Baker, an^ he^s 
goin^ to get the hundred dollars reward,^’ Hot 
replied, eager to impart the wonderful news, 
and drawing attention to the box by kicking 
it. This is part of what was stole, an’ Buel 
thinks we oughter have Mr. Baker here 
before takin’ out any more, so’s he can’t say 
we monkeyed with it.” 

Larry gave one quick glance at the box, 
and then turned fiercely on Ruel, as if 
believing he was about to be deprived of his 
rights in some way. 

If there’s any hundred dollars cornin’ 
outer this thing, it belongs to me an’ father. 
I’m the one what found the stuff, an’ he owns 
this island, so you fellers ain’t in it a little 
bit I ” 

Go back to the camp an’ hold yer 
tongue ! ” Leander cried angrily. You talk 
’bout findin’ the stuff! Why, you was so 
scared you didn’t know there was anythin’ in 
the hole but your own precious body, an’ 
now claim you found it I Go back, or I’ll 
make you wish you’d never heard of Indian 
Island I ” 


A Discovery 281 

“ Hold on, Leander,^^ Ruel said mildly, as 
he stepped between Leander Leighton and 
Larry. “Tell him what you told us about 
all hands sharing in the reward, and then 
he’ll understand that we aren’t trying to get 
the best of him in any way.” 

“ There won’t be any sharin’ in any way ! ” 
cried Larry, and he pounced upon the box as 
if to carry it away without loss of time. 
“ The rest of you fellers don’t come in on the 
reward at all, ’cause I found the hole, an’ this 
island belongs to father ! ” 

Larry was so excited and insistent that 
even Hot Morgan understood it would be 
useless to make any attempt at reasoning 
with him just then, and Leander looked 
inquiringly at Ruel as if asking what course 
should be pursued ; but the latter shook his 
head, stepping back a few paces to show that 
he would not interfere. 

Understanding that he was at liberty to 
manage the affair, so far as Larry was con- 
cerned, he advanced until within a few 
inches of the excited lad, and said sharply : 

“ You won’t make any row ’bout this 
thing, Larry Dufheld, an’ the sooner you get 


282 The Camp on Indian Island 

it outer your head that you an^ your father 
are runnin’ us, the better it’ll be for you. If 
we get hold of the hundred dollars Nahum 
Baker has offered to give, it’ll be divided 

square between all hands ” 

I tell you it belongs to me, ’cause I found 

the hole, an’ father owns the ” 

“ We’ve heard enough of that song, so shet 
down on it,” and Leander laid his hand 
heavily on Larry’s shoulder. “ If you can 
hold yer tongue. I’ll let you stay here ; but if 
not, back you go to the camp, even if I have 
to lug yer I ” 

“ I found the hole, an’ father owns the 
island I ” 

Here, Bill,” Leander cried, turning sud- 
denly to face his partner. Take the bloomin’ 
idiot, an’ if he opens his mouth ag’in, give it 
to him good an’ hot, for we’re goin’ to have 
this business fixed up right, without any talk 
sich as he’s makin’.” 

“ I found the hole, an’ father ” 

Larry did not conclude the sentence, for 
Bill Dean cut it short by suddenly pulling 
him backward to the ground and sitting on 
him. 


CHAPTER XXII 


QUESTIONABLE VISITOES 

With Larry silenced, the lads could discuss 
the question as to whether it might be unwise 
to disturb the burglars’ hoard any further, 
and to this Ruel stoutly maintained that Mr. 
Baker should be notified before the remainder 
of the goods had been taken out. 

It was no more than natural that the boys 
should be eager to see what had been thus 
oddly discovered ; but when Frank agreed to 
his cousin’s proposition, and set forth the pos- 
sibilities in such glowing and startling colors, 
the country lads began to believe that per- 
haps it might not be well to satisfy their 
curiosity immediately. 

Somebody will have to row all the way 
from here to the village jest to tell him the 
news,” Leander said, as if this was a strong 
argument against acting as Ruel had advised, 
and Frank replied quickly : 

If you are to get a reward of one hundred 
283 


284 The Camp on Indian Island 

dollars for finding the goods, you can well 
afford to paddle across the lake more than 
once.’^ 

Then s'posen he backs down on his offer ? 
Bill Dean asked, pressing Larry’s face yet 
deeper amid the leaves to prevent him from 
interrupting the conversation. 

That part of it has nothing to do with 
whether you intend to notify him of what 
you have found,” Ruel said decidedly. If 
he has regularly offered a reward for the re- 
covery of the goods, I fail to see how he (5an 
well go back on his word ; but if he is a man 
who would do such a thing, then there’s all 
the more reason why you should be exceed- 
ingly careful how you give him a chance to 
accuse you of anything crooked.” 

I reckon you’re right,” and Leander moved 
away from the excavation as if he was fully 
convinced Ruel had the best of the argument. 

That’s what we’ll do, an’ now who’ll go over 
to the village ? ” 

One of you boys must go, because neither 
Frank nor I know where this Mr. Baker is to 
be found.” 

All right, we’ll tackle the job, though I’d 


Questionable Visitors 285 

like mighty well to know how much stuff 
there is in the hole. Will you go?” and 
Leander turned toward Bill, who was having 
quite a difficult task to keep Larry quiet. 

I^m willin' to, if it's a case of must ; but 
seein's how you found the stuff, it seems as if 
you could do the job in better shape,” Bill 
replied hesitatingly. 

I don't reckon any of us is very keen on 
pullin' across the lake ; but one can do it as 
well as another. Let's draw lots, an' who- 
ever gets stuck must start right off, so's to 
make certain of gettin' back before mornin'. 
You fix things, Ruel, an' we'll settle the 
matter in short order.” 

Ruel did as he was requested by breaking 
off three twigs, one of which was considerably 
shorter than the other, and when they were 
hidden in his hand so that no more than the 
very ends could be seen, he said : 

Whoever gets the shortest is to go. Which 
one draws first ? ” 

will,” Bill cried eagerly. Larry's got 
through squirmin' 'round for a spell, so give 
me a chance, quick ! ” 

Ruel held the twigs toward him, and after 


286 The Camp on Indian Island 

much deliberation Bill made his choice, his 
face clouding as he drew forth a twig no more 
than an inch in length. 

It looks as if I had been in too much of a 
hurry,” he said, ruefully. Are any of the 
others shorter than this ? ” 

“No; you've got the prize,” and Ruel 
opened his hand to show two twigs, each of 
which was much longer than the one held by 
Bill. 

“ All right ; I won’t squeal, though I ain’t 
achin’ for the job, an’ that’s the fact. What’ll 
I do with Larry ? ” 

“ Let him up, an’ if he tries to be funny I’ll 
settle him in short order,” Leander said in a 
tone of command, whereupon Bill released his 
hold of Larry, who sprang to his feet on the 
instant, crying shrilly : 

“ I say that the hundred dollars belongs to 
me, ’cause I found the hole, an’ father owns 
the island ! ” 

“ We’ve heard all that before, an’ you’re 
goin’ to give us a rest on it,” Leander said, 
sharply. “ If you sing that song again I’ll 
take you in hand, an’ it’s likely that I won’t 
be so easy as Bill has been. Now get back to 


Questionable Visitors 287 

the camp, less you want a mix-up with 
me ! 

Larry hesitated just an instant; but at a 
threatening gesture from Leander he set oif 
toward the shanty at full speed. 

I reckon Ld better take the canoe,’' Bill 
said questioningly, and Ruel replied promptly : 

Take the craft which can be handled the 
easiest. Shall you try to come back before 
morning ? ” and Ruel spoke as if he did not 
think it advisable to make a full night’s job 
of it. 

If Nahum Baker counts on cornin’ over 
before mornin’ you’ll see me with him ; but 

if I guess I won’t make up my mind till 

after gettin’ there an’ findin’ out how tired I 
am. Cornin’ down to the shore ? ” 

It really seemed their duty to go to the 
boat with Bill, and all the party, save Larry, 
who was most likely sulking in the camp, 
followed the lad who was to notify Nahum 
Baker that the goods stolen from him had 
been found. 

“ Keep Larry where he belongs, an’ don’t 
take anythin’ more outer the hole till I get 
back, ’cause I want to see the stuff jest as it 


288 The Camp on Indian Island 

comes up,” Bill cried as he took his place in 
the canoe and pushed off from the shore, and 
Leander cried emphatically : 

“ When you get back everythin’ will be as 
it is now, ’less you hang off till after Nahum 
Baker comes.” 

“ There ain’t much fear of my doin’ that. 
If he makes a sign of cornin’ over to-night, I 
shall start without waitin’ for anythin’,” and 
then, with a flourish of the paddle. Bill began 
the journey. 

“ I reckon we’d better go up to the camp,” 
said Leander as Bill started, “ for Larry might 
take it inter his foolish head to haul the stuff 
outer the hole and hide it.” 

The others followed him without delay, and 
it might have been observed that even Ruel 
kept strictly in the path, as if not inclined to 
stray among the bushes where the shadows 
were already heavy, for now it was known 
that burglars had rendezvoused on Indian Is- 
land, everything appeared threatening and 
uncanny in the twilight of the thickets. 

They passed the clump of bushes amid 
which had been found the burglars’ hoard 
without even glancing toward it, and one 


Questionable Visitors 289 

might have fancied they walked more rapidly 
until arriving near the camp where a view of 
the southern portion of the lake could be had, 
when Leander cried : 

Look there ! Where are them fellers 
comin^ from ? It seems as if they were 
headin’ for this island ! ” 

Gazing in the direction indicated by Lean- 
der’s outstretched finger, the boys saw a large 
boat in which were two men, approaching on 
such a course that made it seem certain the 
strangers were counting on landing near 
where the raft had been put together. 

As a matter of course, there could be but 
one thought as to who these men were, and 
why they were coming. Words were not 
needed to make it plain that every member 
of the party was of the same mind. 

What shall we do ? ” Hot Morgan asked 
in a tremulous whisper, and because no one 
else spoke, Ruel said after the very briefest 
time of hesitation : 

I don’t see that we can do anything, ex- 
cept keep our eyes on those fellows, if they 
come ashore.” 

But they’ll see that we’ve been at the 


290 The Camp on Indian Island 

hole, an’ then there’ll be the tallest kind of a 
row, for it don’t stand to reason they’ll go 
away peaceably after knowin’ we’ve found 
the stuff I ” 

'' I’ll fix that part of it,” Leander whispered 
as he darted off at full speed, and those whom 
he left behind knew that it was his purpose 
to efface, so far as might be possible, all evi- 
dences of their having been near the excava- 
tion. 

S’posen they count on takin’ the stuff 
away, without payin’ any attention to us?” 
Hot asked, and the pallor on his face told 
that he was in a woeful state of fear. 

“ We won’t hunt around to find trouble,” 
Frank said hastily. It isn’t likely they 
would advertise themselves as burglars. 
What I’ve been thinking of is how to keep 
them here till Mr. Baker comes.” 

Don’t I Don’t be so foolish ! ” Hot ex- 
claimed. We’re in trouble enough without 
doin’ any crazy thing like that. If they’ll go 
away, after findin’ that we’re campin’ here, 
that’s all I ask ! ” 

‘'We are talking as if it were sure those 
men are the ones who stole the goods, when. 


Questionable Visitors 291 

as a matter of fact, they may be going up to 
the village without the slightest intention of 
stopping here. Let^s get about our business, 
and look after the supper. 

Hot Morgan acted upon this suggestion as 
if it gave him great relief of mind to get into 
the shanty once more, where he would at 
least be screened from view, and as he opened 
the door a voice, gloomy and threatening, 
came from one of the bunks : 

^‘You fellers are gettin’ yourselves inter a 
mighty big lot of trouble by the way you^re 
actin’, for I found the hole, an’ father owns 
this island, so ” 

^*Oh, give us a rest I” Hot cried nervously, 
may all of us wish, before to-morrer 
mornin’, that we’d never seen the island, for 
the burglars are cornin’, an’ nobody knows 
what they’ll do after it’s known that we — I 
mean, that you found what was hid ! ” 

Where are they ? ” and Larry looked cau- 
tiously around as he pulled the blanket yet 
more closely to his chin. 

Cornin’ in a boat straight as a die for this 
place. Of course they must be the ones what 
hid the stuff, ’cause nobody else would want 


292 The Camp on Indian Island 

to land here. Tell ^em that you found the 
hole, an' your father owns the island, an' 
p'rhaps they'll see to it that Nahum Baker 
pays you the hundred dollars." 

“ They can't blame me for it," and now the 
blanket shut out from view even Larry's head. 

Of course I found the hole ; but it was Lan- 
der who found the stuff, an' he's the one 
they'll have to settle with." 

If Hot Morgan had not been thoroughly 
frightened himself, he might have seen some- 
thing comical in Larry Duffiield's retiring so 
suddenly from the position he had taken 
when the goods were first discovered. As it 
was, however, the lad set about preparing sup- 
per so energetically that one might well have 
supposed he hoped to escape whatsoever in 
the way of punishment the burglars decided 
to deal out, on the pretext that the cook 
would not be supposed to have a hand in un- 
earthing treasures while he had so many 
household duties to perform. 

Larry was silent with terror when the city 
boys entered the camp, and if he had any idea 
of showing himself, such a thought must have 
been driven from his mind when Leander 


Questionable Visitors 293 

came in hurriedly, as he said in a whis- 
per : 

“ I've fixed things the best I knew how, so's 
they won't think we've been at the hole, an' 
here are the painters — I'll chuck 'em under 
this bunk." 

‘‘We may be mistaken as to their com- 
ing here," Frank suggested, and Leander 
added : 

“ Not a bit of it. They've pulled in to the 
shore already, an' oughter pass here in less'n 
five minutes, if they count on goin' to the 
hole. We'll leave the door open, so's they 
can see that somebody's here, an' " 

“ Don't ! Don't let 'em think we're on the 
island, an' then p'rhaps they'll go away after 
gettin' the stuff! " Larry Duffield cried in an 
agony of terror as he sprang to a sitting posi- 
tion in the bunk, as if moved by a spring 
after the fashion of a jack-in-the-box. 

“ If they take the goods away there's no 
chance of getting the reward Mr. Baker has 
offered to pay," Frank said laughingly. 
“ You know it belongs to you because of 
having found the hole." 

“ But I didn't I " Larry cried emphatically 


294 The Camp on Indian Island 

and angrily. I only tumbled inter it. 
Lander found the stuff ! 

Then you’re through claimin’ that all the 
money oughter come to you ? ” Leander asked 
with a grin, and before Larry could make 
reply Hot Morgan said in a hoarse whisper, 
as he looked out of the window : 

Here they come ! They’re lookin’ at this 
camp mighty hard, an’ it strikes me we 
oughter keep out of sight ! ” 

If we hadn’t found the goods, we’d be 
outside in a jifiy, in order to learn what they 
are doing here,” Ruel said to Leander, and 
the latter replied promptly : 

You’re right ! Go ahead an’ do the 
talkin’ ; you’re better at that than I am.” 

Ruel opened the door of the shanty just as 
the strangers came opposite, and hailed them 
with a cheery good-evening,” which was 
replied to curtly as the men came to a halt 
and stared at the lads curiously. 

Were you looking for any one ? ” Ruel 
asked. 

‘‘What are you doin’ here?” and the man 
spoke in anger. 

“ Camping out, as you see. We have hired 


Questionable Visitors 295 

this island from Mr. Duffield, who is the 
owner.^' 

How long have you been here? the man 
asked in a surly tone. 

‘‘ About a week, I reckon. We haven’t 
kept a very close count of the days.” 

When do you allow to leave ?” 

That’s something we haven’t decided on, 
and even though we had, I’m not certain we 
should feel obliged to give you the informa- 
tion,” and now it was Ruel’s turn to speak 
curtly, whereupon Larry whispered hoarsely 
from the bunk : 

What’s the sense of stirrin’ ’em up ? 
Don’t make an idiot of yourself by gettin’ on 

a high hoss when we’re ” 

He did not finish the sentence, for at that 
instant Leander fiung himself upon the 
cowardly lad and whispered threateningly : 

If you open your mouth ag’in till I give 
the word, you’ll get the worst thumpin’ that 
a boy ever had I ” 


CHAPTER XXIII 


OPEN THREATS 

The strangers stood as if amazed because 
Ruel had dared to answer them so curtly, 
and then both turned away, holding a whis- 
pered conference, after which they moved 
slowly off in the direction of the hole. 

Not until the unwelcome visitors were so far 
away from the camp that there was no possi- 
bility they could overhear the conversation of 
the boys, did Leander release his hold of 
Larry, who gazed after the men in evident 
fear, but took exceeding good care not to 
expose himself to view. Realizing that his 
threat had not been fully understood, Leander 
shook the lad roughly, as he repeated the 
words. 

I won't open my mouth if you'll only 
stand by me. Lander I " Larry said with a 
mournful whine. It's awful to be on this 
island without anybody to take our part, 
296 


Open Threats 297 

’cause the burglars wouldn’t stop at anythin’ 
if they thought we’d found what is hid in the 
hole.” 

I reckon the whole crowd of us wouldn’t 
stand still an’ let only two men act very 
funny,” Leander replied in a tone of irrita- 
tion. We ain’t all of us such cowards as 
you an’ Hot, an’ if the burglars think we’re 
easy, they’re goin’ to get the surprise of their 
lives.” 

** But you wouldn’t do anythin’ to make 
’em mad?” Larry asked falteringly, and 
Leander replied stoutly : 

** Don’t you think for a little minute that 
I’d stand with my hands in my pockets while 
they lugged off the stuff that’s in the hole ; 
an’ I’m allowin’ the city fellers would keep 
mighty snug to me if it came to a row.” 

Then Leander Leighton went out of the 
camp to hold counsel with Ruel and Frank, 
who were watching for the reappearance of 
the men. 

“ I reckon there isn’t any doubt but that 
those fellows are the burglars, and they have 
come to take away their plunder,” Ruel said 
in a low tone as Leander came up, and the 


298 The Camp on Indian Island 

latter asked, as if he had no doubt as to the 
reply : 

Of course you won't stand still an’ let ’em 
do anythin’ like that ? ” 

^‘Certainly not; but the question is whether 
we could make much of a fist at stopping 
them, in case they are armed, as would seem 
probable.” 

“ I’m allowin’ that we might make a 
mighty good try, for it don’t stand to reason 
they’d dare shoot, or do anythin’ of the kind, 
after the five of us have seen them so plainly 
that we could answer to both, if they should 
be taken prisoners later.” 

There are three of us, for, of course, we 
can’t count on either Larry or Hot Morgan,” 
Frank said as if thinking aloud, and Leander 
added : 

We don’t need the cowards. If them 
men start to lug off the stuff I’ll agree to 
stop ’em without askin’ anybody to lend me 
a hand.” 

How?” 

By makin’ off with their boat an’ ours. 
It wouldn’t be much of a trick to pull around 
the shore, an’ hook on to their craft ” 


Open Threats 299 

Leander did not have time to explain his 
plan fully, for at that instant the two men 
came hastily from amid the bushes, and Ruel 
said hurriedly : 

They Ve learned that we found the goods, 
and now it^s a case of letting them under- 
stand that we count on putting a stop to any 
attempt at carrying away the stuff, until after 
Mr. Baker gets here.” 

That^s the size of it. Go ahead an^ do 
the talking, Ruel, an’ I’ll be right at your 
back if them fellers try to make a row ! ” 
There was no time to say anything more 
privately, for the strangers had advanced so 
rapidly that they were now standing directly 
in front of Ruel, who stepped forward a pace 
as if to meet them. 

What right have you fellows got , on this 
island?” one of the men asked in an angry 
tone. 

More than you have,” Ruel replied de- 
cidedly. “ We have hired the island, and are 
camping here. If that is all you want to 
know, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t 
leave at once, for we have no desire to enter- 
tain visitors.” 


300 The Camp on Indian Island 

I want to know ! the man said with a 
lazy drawl. Did you think we wanted you 
to look after us ? 

We shall, whether you want it or 
not 

“ Been snoopin^ ^round where you had no 
business to be, an’ found what didn’t concern 
yer, eh ? ” 

I suppose you mean that we came across 
a lot of goods that had been buried? Yes, we 
found them, and what’s more, we count on 
giving the rightful owner a chance to recover 
his property.” 

Just for an instant the man stood as if bent 
on making an attack, and then, bursting into 
a hearty laugh, he said in what he intended 
should be a tone of good-fellowship : 

“A reg’lar boy, ain’t yer? Found some- 
thin’ in a hole, an’ made up your mind it 
had oeen stolen? Let me tell you, sonny, 
you’ve barked up the wrong tree. We left 
that stuff here the other afternoon on account 
of havin’ too big a load in the boat while the 
wind was blowin’ half a gale. It has been 
bought an’ paid for.” 

The thought came to Ruel that possibly the 


301 


Open Threats 

man was speaking the truth, and if that was 
the case he and his comrades might make 
considerable trouble for themselves by trying 
to prevent the visitors from taking their law- 
ful property. 

While one might have counted five he 
stood as if undecided as to the proper course, 
and then he said slowly : 

If you were forced to leave goods here 
because your boat was overloaded why didn’t 
you stack them up in that shed ? ” and Ruel 
pointed to the tiny building which had been 
erected as a shelter for fuel. 

We’d been chumps to leave the stuff 
where every Tom, Dick an’ Harry could see 
it. No, sir, it cost too much money for us to 
take sich chances, so we buried it, an’ now 
count on takin’ it away.” 

** We believe the goods were stolen ^from 
Mr. Nahum Baker, who has offered a reward 
for their recovery, and you will not be 
allowed to move them until he has had a 
chance to find out if they are his,” Ruel said, 
speaking firmly, but stepping back in order 
to range himself by the side of Frank and 
Leander. 


302 The Camp on Indian Island 

The strangers must have mistaken his 
motive in thus seeming to retreat, for both 
stepped forward threateningly as if to follow 
up the advantage supposed to have been 
gained by the lad’s fears, but E-uel speedily 
undeceived them by saying sharply : 

There is no reason why you should come 
any nearer. Stay where you are till we have 
settled this.’^ 

But it’s settled, son,” the man cried. 

We’re goin’ to take away the stuff that cost 
us our good money, an’ you boys will come 
mighty nigh gettin’ hurt if you mix in with 
what don’t concern yer.” 

You won’t carry anything away from this 
island until after Mr. Baker has said whether 
it belongs to him,” Ruel said firmly, and one 
of the men asked : 

Is there any chance Baker will come over 
here? ” 

He’ll be here early in the morning, if not 
before. We sent for him after finding the 
goods.” 

That this information caused the men de- 
cided uneasiness could be seen by the look 
each gave the other and, without another 


Open Threats 303 

word, they wheeled suddenly about, disap- 
pearing an instant later amid the bushes. 

“ A blind man could see that those fellers 
are the burglars,^' Leander said musingly, 
and Larry, crouching close by the side of 
Ruel as if for protection, asked pleadingly : 

Can^t we get away from here before they 
kick up a row ? There’ll be a terrible time if 
you try to stop ’em from luggin’ the stuff off.” 

Say, Ruel,” said Leander suddenly, why 
not let Larry an’ Hot go, if they feel like it ? ” 
‘‘ What do you mean ? ” and now Ruel 
looked surprised. 

They wouldn’t lend us the least little bit 
of a hand, if it came to a mix-up, an’ we’d be 
better off without ’em.” 

And it wouldn’t do any good for us to 
send them away.” 

I ain’t certain ’bout that. If we should 
send the burglars’ boat adrift it’s sure they 
couldn’t lug the stuff away ; but if we set 
about doin’ anythin’ of the kind, they’d fight 
mighty hard. Now s’pose Hot an’ Larry 
sneaked down to our boat, goin’ through the 
bushes so’s they wouldn’t be seen, an’, after 
launchin’ her, pull ’round an’ hitch onto the 


304 The Camp on Indian Island 

craft the men came in? It could be done 
easy enough, for them duffers never’d have 
any idee of what was goin’ on while us three 
stayed here in plain sight/^ 

Ruel and Frank looked the surprise they 
felt because Leander had hit upon such a 
promising plan. Then came the question 
as to whether Larry would have courage 
enough to attempt anything of the kind, even 
though there could be no danger so far as he 
was concerned. 

Leave that part of it to me, an^ 1^11 see 
they^re only too willin^ to do what we want,” 
Leander said confidently, and without delay 
he went into the camp, literally dragging 
Larry after him. 

The other boys remained on watch, for it 
was important, whether Leander^s scheme was 
carried out or not, for them to know exactly 
where the strangers were, and before five 
minutes had passed Leander came out of the 
camp looking triumphant. 

“ They were only too glad of the chance to 
clear out before the row began, for they be- 
lieve we^re bound to have the biggest kind of 
a fight. Larry wasn’t so very keen for towin’ 


Open Threats 305 

off the burglars' boat ; but Hot had spunk 
enough to tackle the job." 

Have they really started ? " Ruel asked 
in surprise. 

Sneaked out through the window a min- 
ute ago. I've promised to give 'em warnin' 
if the burglars show any signs of goin' down 
to their boat." 

If they succeed in towing the craft off, all 
we'll have to do is keep an eye out on the 
burglars, without troubling our heads very 
much over what they do, for it will be im- 
possible to take the goods away until after 
Mr. Baker gets here," Frank said with a note 
of satisfaction in his voice, and Leander added 
laughingly : 

“ 'Cordin' to the way I look at it, we 
needn't even keep an eye out, seein's how all 
hands of us are tied up on the island. It 
may be, though, that they'll make things 
lively for us after findin' out what a trick 
we've played on 'em." 

I reckon we can hold our own, unless the 
fellows are armed with revolvers, and even 
then, it wouldn't do them any good to shoot 
us. I'm " 


3o 6 The Camp on Indian Island 

The sudden reappearance of the men put 
an end to RueFs speech, and the three boys 
faced about very suddenly, prepared for any 
kind of a battle, however desperate, in order 
to prevent the burglars from going to the 
shore while Larry and Hot were trying to get 
possession of the boat. 

“ WeVe come to have jest a word with you, 
an’ if you don’t give heed to it, so much the 
worse for all three,” one of the men said, with 
a threatening gesture. Me an’ my partner 
have come for what belongs to us, an’ we’re 
goin’ to take it now — now, d’ye understand ? 
If you kids so much as raise a finger toward 
tryin’ to stop us, we’ll put you where fingers 
ain’t any use. Hear me, now 1 Leave us 
alone, an’ we won’t trouble you ; but try to 
play any tricks, an’ you’ll get a dose from 
this I ” 

The man drew from his pocket a revolver, 
as he ceased speaking, and, after flourishing 
the weapon, turned about, going once more in 
the direction of the hole, his comrade follow- 
ing close behind. 

'' If Larry and Hot keep their wits about 
&hem, they should have the boat before those 


Open Threats 307 

fellows can get to the shore with a load of the 
goods,” Ruel whispered. 

One of us ought to slip through the 
bushes in order to know if they succeed,” 
Frank suggested, and Leander added : 

^‘There’s no need of runnin’ very fast, 
’cause I told Hot to whistle when he got the 
boat inter deep water.” 

He had hardly more than spoken when a 
shrill whistle was heard from the water, and 
Ruel said with a long-drawn breath : 

Now they are shut up here on the island 
until some one comes from the village. And 
now how can we protect ourselves until Mr. 
Baker comes ? ” 


CHAPTER XXIV 


A TIMELY ARRIVAL 

All three of the lads felt positive the men 
would be enraged on finding that they had 
been trapped. 

Of course they’ll know we had a hand in 
towing the boat away, and we can’t blame 
them for wanting to square matters with us.” 

Well ? ” Leander asked impatiently as the 
city boy ceased speaking. Are we goin’ to 
stand here so’s they can get at us ? ” 

I was trying to decide what would be 
best. We might shut ourselves up in the 
camp ; but it wouldn’t be a long job for two 
men to break down the doors, and then we’d 
be forced to take what they were of a mind to 
give, without any show of running away.” 

When do you allow Mr. Baker can get 
here?” Frank asked of Leander, and the lat- 
ter replied quickly : 

If he believes the story Bill tells, an’ can 
find Rube Jepson to keep shop for him, 
there’s no reason why he shouldn’t be here 
308 


A Timely Arrival 309 

before midnight. Nahum Baker is mighty 
keen after everythin^ that belongs to him, an^ 
when Bill tells that we’ve found a lot of stuff, 
which may be what was stole by the burglars, 
I’m reckonin’ he’ll come over on the jump.” 

‘‘In that case it is only a matter of five or 
six hours before he gets here, and it strikes 
me we ought to be able to hold the shanty^ 
that length of time, unless those men are too 
free with the revolver,” Frank said as if try- 
ing to convince himself, and Ruel turned 
quickly to face Leander as he asked : 

“Which do you think we should do? 
Take the chances of hiding in the bushes 
from the burglars, or use the camp for a 
fort?” 

“I’d rather take my chance in the shanty,” 
Leander replied promptly. “ Allowin’ that 
they’ll be mad enough to shoot, we couldn’t 
keep under cover if the men made a reg’lar 
hunt. In the camp we stand some little 
chance, ’cause even if they break the door in, 
we can make it mighty hot for whoever tries 
to get inside.” 

“ Come on, then, and we’ll get ready for a 
siege,” Ruel added with a laugh as he led the 


310 The Camp on Indian Island 

way into the shanty, and once there, with the 
shutters closed and bolted, Leander set about 
piling every movable thing against the door, 
saying grimly as he worked : 

All we’re after is to keep the thieves out 
as long as possible, an’ allowin’ it’ll take ’em 
quite a spell to get in if we work things right. 
S’pose Frank stands watch while we get 
ready ? There’s a big crack near the stove, 
where he can see all that’s goin’ on.” 

No time was lost in discussing this proposi- 
tion. Frank took his station as Leander had 
suggested, while Ruel aided Leander to the 
best of his ability, and no more than five 
minutes had elapsed before the door was 
barricaded in such a manner that even 
though it should be totally wrecked the 
enemy would find it difficult to gain an en- 
trance. 

It was well they had made their prepara- 
tions hurriedly, for the work was hardly 
more than finished to the satisfaction of 
Leander when Frank whispered : 

“ Here they come I Won’t there be a howl 
when they find the boat gone? ” 

In a twinkling Ruel and Leander were by 


A Timely Arrival 311 

the side of their comrade, where it was possi- 
ble for them to see the supposed burglars 
coming out from amid the foliage, each liter- 
ally staggering under a heavy burden of 
boxes and packages in paper wrappings. 

The shadows of evening were gathering 
rapidly, but the watchers in the camp could 
see the men quite distinctly, though they 
made their way among the bushes instead of 
striking out boldly into the beaten path, and 
it was possible to note that the enemy cast 
anxious glances in the direction of the 
shanty, as if fearing the boys might contrive 
to throw obstacles in their way. 

If Leander hadn’t hit upon the plan of 
towing the boat away they could get off with 
all their plunder before any one from the 
village could reach the island,” Ruel said, 
half to himself. “ I wonder where Larry and 
Hot are by this time ? ” 

** Pullin’ the best they know how for the 
other side of the lake,” Master Leighton 
replied, with a laugh. You can set it down 
as a fact that the two cowards won’t stop till 
they’re safe an’ snug at Larry’s home.” 

The picture thus presented by Leander was 


312 The Camp on Indian Island 

very comical to the city lads ; but they were 
yet to learn that the cowardice of Larry and 
Hot was to serve them a good turn before the 
adventure had come to an end. 

The boys had hardly more than checked 
their mirth when the sound of rapid footsteps 
could be heard in the distance, and Ruel said 
grimly : 

They Ve found that their boat^s missing. 
Look out for squalls now ! 

Leander drew out from under the bunks 
one of the stout clubs which the city boys 
had left there and took his stand near the 
door, as he said threateningly : 

111 agree to look after the first burglar 
that busts his way in, an^ if I get one crack 
at him it’s a sure thing he won’t make much 
more trouble ! ” 

Hello ! you little villains in the camp ! ” 
came in an angry voice from the distance. 
** What have you done with our boat ? ” 

Isn’t she where you left her ? ” Ruel 
asked, as the foremost of the men came into 
view from the crack through which he was 
peeping. 

“You know well enough that she ain’t I 


A Timely Arrival 313 

Tell us where she is, or we’ll make you wish 
this island was sunk an’ you with it ! ” 

It was Ruel’s purpose to keep the man talk- 
ing as long as possible, for every moment thus 
gained brought so much nearer the time when 
Mr. Baker would arrive, but Frank, eager to 
let the enemy understand how thoroughly 
he had been outwitted, put an end to his 
cousin’s plan by crying exultantly : 

She must be well over on the other shore 
by this time, and you’ll stay here with us till 
the people from the village can arrive I ” 

** What’s that ? ” And then all was still 
while one might have counted twenty, dur- 
ing which time Ruel whispered in dismay : 

You’ve settled it for sure. I was hoping 
we could keep them talking a while, for 
every moment thus spent is so much gained 
for us.” 

** P’rhaps it’s just as well,” Leander added 
grimly. ** Seems like as if Frank had para- 
lyzed ’em, an’ they don’t know what to do ! ” 
He speedily learned that he was mistaken 
as to the paralyzing portion of the matter, for 
on the instant came the cry, sounding as if 
the speaker was directly outside the door : 


314 The Camp on Indian Island 

Open up, you young whelps, or I wonH 
leave enough of you to bait crows with I 
Open this door, I say ! 

‘^What for?^' and Leander stood ready 
with upraised cudgel to defend the camp in 
case an entrance was forced. 

I’ll show you what for ! D’ye think 
we’re goin’ to let three young villains like 
you interfere with us?” and the fellow began 
to kick against the frail door. 

You must think we’re easy ! ” Leander 
cried with a jeering laugh. We’re countin’ 
to keep you on this island a spell, an’ we’d be 
crazy to come out jest ’cause you say so I ” 

If the lads had expected an angry reply 
they found themselves mistaken. Much to 
their surprise no answer was made, and, lis- 
tening intently, it was possible to hear the 
sound of footsteps, as if the man was going 
away. 

“Now what’s up?” Frank asked in per- 
plexity, and Leander replied confidently : 

“ They’ve gone to see if one of our boats is 
here. It’ll take ’em quite a spell to search 
along the shore, an’ we may as well have a 
bite to eat.” 


A Timely Arrival 315 

By this time night had fully come, al- 
though it was not so dark that he who peered 
through the crack would fail to see any one 
passing along the path, and after assuring 
himself that the enemy was not within his 
range of vision, Ruel stepped back toward the 
table, on which Leander was already placing 
a varied assortment of food from their gener- 
ous store, as he said : 

“ Bill might be back with Mr. Baker, if he 
is coming to-night, before they can make cer- 
tain that there are no boats on the island, 
and Leander added in a tone of satisfaction : 

That^s what I We may as well make our- 
selves comfortable, ’cause there’ll be nothin’ 
doin’ for an hour or more. I don’t believe it 
would be real safe to light a candle, for them 
fellers might come back sooner’n we count on.” 

Frank dropped the match as if it had 
burned his fingers, for he it was who had 
taken a candle from the shelf behind the 
stove, and said, half apologetically : 

« We got rid of those scoundrels so easily 
that I had almost forgotten it would be pos- 
sible for them to come back.” 

Then, as if they had been fasting a full four 


3i 6 The Camp on Indian Island 

and twenty hours, the boys made an attack 
upon the food ; but before they had well be- 
gun Leander asked, as he sniffed the air sus- 
piciously : 

** Did you blow out that match before you 
threw it away ? 

“ Of course I did. Why ? and Frank 
looked up in surprise. 

** I thought I smelled smoke. 

Little heed was given to what the other 
lads believed to be a clear case of imagina- 
tion, and the attack on the food was con- 
tinued five minutes or more, when Leander 
sprang from his chair in excitement, as he cried : 

I do smell smoke, an^ what^s more I can 
come near seein^ it. The match must have 

dropped into the wood-box, an’ ” 

Look, look there ! ” and Ruel pointed 
toward the door, at the bottom of which 
could be seen a tiny thread of flame creeping 
along the edge of the wood. “ Those villains 
have set fire to the camp ! ” 

During a full minute the three boys stood 
silent and motionless, gazing at the wavering 
point of light which had in it so much of 
menace, and then Leander, seizing a full 


A Timely Arrival 317 

bucket of water, dashed the whole against the 
flame, saying as he did so : 

'^They didn't count that we had water 
here, an’ ” 

Now will you open the door ? ” came in 
a jeering voice from the outside. We’re 
bound to pay off you young whelps, even if 
we burn the shanty with you in it ! ” 

“ Keep a sharp lookout for more Are, and 
then be sparing of the water,” Ruel whis- 
pered. We’ll stay here as long as we can, 
and when the flames come too near, take our 
chance through the window. Bill must have 
gotten to the village before this.” 

Crouching near the floor to relieve them- 
selves from the smoke, the boys watched in- 
tently for the first sign of flame on the inside ; 
but before any other evidence of fire had been 
seen, the roar from the outside, and the light 
which came through every tiny crack, told 
that the narrow porch on the end of the 
shanty was in a blaze. 

We can’t stay here a great while longer,” 
Leander said, as he crept toward the rear win- 
dow, club in hand. 

Surely it did seem as if the moment 


3i 8 The Camp on Indian Island 

had come when the boys should be making 
an escape. The front portion of the building 
was in flames, with the Are creeping through 
every crack, when Ruel said grimly : 

All right, Leander, we’ll make the break. 
I’m allowing we’ll catch it hot from the bur- 
glars ; but they can’t give us any worse than 
we’ll get here within the next ten minutes, if 
we stay.” 

Then Leander threw open the shutter, and 
a shout of triumph from the outside told that 
the enemy were aware of their movements. 

I’ll go first,” Ruel cried sharply, as he en- 
deavored to push Leander aside, but that young 
gentleman held his ground, saying grimly : 

After all that’s happened on this island, 
it’s no more’n fair I should take the rough 
end of it. You fellers get in a lick while 
they’re tacklin’ me, an’ we may have a 
chance of bestin’ ’em, after all.” 

Even as he spoke Leander began to clamber 
out of the window, heedless of the fact that 
the two men stood ready to receive him ; but 
at the very moment when one of the burglars 
raised his clenched flst to strike the lad as he 
leaped, a cry from the path in the direction 


A Timely Arrival 319 

of where the canoe had been moored caused 
the burglars as well as the boys to cease move- 
ment for the instant. 

Brief though the pause was, it was suffi- 
cient for the downfall of the burglars. 

Half a dozen men from the village were 
upon them with such effect that they were 
prisoners in a twinkling, and Bill Dean was 
dancing around them in high glee, as he 
shouted for the benefit of his comrades : 

** IVs mighty lucky you sent Larry an^ Hot 
off with the boats, ’cause they roused up 
Elish jest in time for him to give us a tow 
with his motor boat, an’ I’m allowin’ we 
didn’t get here much too soon ! ” 

There is little more to tell of the camp on 
Indian Island, for within ten minutes after 
the opportune arrival of Bill Dean with Mr. 
Baker and his friends, the shanty was burned 
to the ground. 

That very night the city boys went back to 
the Duffield farmhouse with Elish, but be- 
fore their vacation was over they shared in 
the reward which Mr. Baker had offered for 
the recovery of his goods and the apprehen- 
sion of the burglars. 


320 The Camp on Indian Island 

Two hundred dollars was the amount he 
paid without very much grumbling, and this 
was divided into six equal portions, despite 
Larry^s claim that he should have the largest 
share, since he found the hole an^ father 
owned the land.” 

The burglars were very soon sentenced to 
long terms, and the boys were naturally the 
heroes of the village. Except for Larry, who 
was very fond of telling how he and Hot 
Morgan trapped the burglars, all the boys 
talked very modestly of their exploits. 

And the best of it all is,” said Leander 
emphatically, that weVe all got to be good 
friends.” 

** YouVe right there,” declared Ruel heart- 
ily. Frank and I will never forget you and 
Bill Dean. And say, before the end of the 
summer suppose we four go over and camp 
on Indian Island again for a few days I ” 

And that was what the four friends did. 


Other Stories by the same author are : 
THE CRUISE OF THE SALLY D 
ANDY’S WARD 
THE BRAGANZA DIAMOND 
CHASING A YACHT 





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